Consolidation is trending in the global gaming industry. In the U.K., tighter regulations that could result in dramatic revenue declines for gaming and sportsbook operators are driving the movement. Both Paddy Power Betfair (PDYPY) and William Hill (WIMHY) are exploring potential mergers with CrownBet; though no deal is imminent. In North America, fierce competition between regional companies has crippled profitability growth; as a result, operators are considering potential mergers. Penn National Gaming (PENN) is in discussions with Pinnacle Entertainment (PNK), to form an entity that would control 45 gaming properties within 12 states and Canada; it would not own any real estate on the Las Vegas Strip.
Howie Long-Short: PENN and PNK and are ostensibly already partners; Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI), a REIT owned by PENN, owns most of the land where PNK operates its casinos. Creating a larger “network” of casinos would in theory keep regional players from competing properties, but that seems like wishful thinking to me. Legalized sports gambling is a potential $150 billion market. The big players (MGM, CZR) are coming to town armed with megaresorts; how can smaller operators without the resources compete? I should point out that the Australian entertainment group Crown Resorts, owns a 62% stake in CrownBet (OTC: CWLDY).
Fan Marino: After Michael Flynn agreed to cooperate in the Russia investigation, odds of President Trump’s impeachment soared. Betfair was quoted saying, “Trump has hit his shortest price yet to leave office before the end of his term”; the company has impeachment currently sitting at 4/6 (59% probability). Paddy has the odds at 4/7 (63% probability); the company’s Head of Trump Betting (yes, that’s a title) said that prior to news of Flynn’s cooperation, odds sat at 11/10 (47% probability).
For the balance of today’s newsletter, sign-up here!
