DUBLIN, Feb 26 (Reuters) - FanDuel-owner Flutter forecast modest profit growth for 2026 far below analyst expectations due to challenges in the betting giant's main U.S. market compounded by its misfiring attempts to win customers over with promotions and bonuses.The world's largest online betting company reported a 21% jump in 2025 core profit on Thursday but expected growth of just 4% this year to $2.97 billion, significantly below the $3.5 billion expected by analysts polled by LSEG SmartEstimate. Sign u ...

Core Insights - The gaming sector is experiencing a mixed performance, with MGM reporting a solid quarter despite a challenging 2025, while expectations for Wynn and DraftKings are cautiously optimistic as they prepare for upcoming earnings reports [1][2][3]. MGM Insights - MGM faced a difficult 2025 with high single-digit declines in visitation and gross gaming revenue, but anticipates a better performance in 2026, particularly in the latter half of the year [2][3]. - Growth in Macau and the digital business is highlighted as a positive aspect of MGM's diversified operations, despite the stock underperforming in 2025 [3][4]. Wynn Insights - Wynn is positioned as a luxury play within the gaming sector, expected to perform better than mid-tier operators, with positive outlooks for both its Vegas operations and the recovering Macau market [5][6]. - The stock is trading at approximately 20 times earnings, with significant luxury assets and plans to open a property in the UAE by late 2026 [7]. DraftKings Insights - DraftKings is expected to exceed Q4 expectations, driven by a strong December performance, although guidance for 2026 may be slightly below expectations due to investments in prediction markets [9][10]. - The company is rolling out a prediction product in markets where sports betting is not available, and initial tracking indicates positive reception [11]. Market Trends - The luxury segment in the gaming and lodging industry is showing growth, while other segments are declining, reflecting a K-shaped economic recovery [5]. - The Chinese market is seen as a bright spot for gaming companies, particularly with the upcoming Chinese New Year [8].

FanDuel and DraftKings, official partners of the NFL, are front and center here at Radio Row. Even though gamblers can't place wagers on their sportsbook apps, but their prediction platforms are up and running. The sports betting giants entered this prediction freight in the fourth quarter of last year, unwilling just to, you know, sit on the sidelines as Koshi, Poly Market, Robin Hood, and others entered sports the prediction markets. Um, and and Koshi made a big splash with its advertising before last yea ...

Core Viewpoint - Flutter is recognized as one of the largest online gambling operators globally, with significant market shares in both sports betting and iGaming across established markets and emerging regulated markets [1] Group 1: Market Position - Flutter holds leading positions in mature markets such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Italy [1] - The company is also expanding its presence in faster-growing regulated markets, notably the United States and Brazil [1] Group 2: Growth Potential - The US market represents a significant opportunity for Flutter, indicating potential for future growth [1]

Company Overview - DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company that offers online sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and iGaming products such as blackjack, roulette, and slots [2]. Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer expressed a cautious view on DraftKings, highlighting the importance of expanding into states like Texas, California, and Florida for the stock's growth potential. He noted that without these markets, the stock may remain stagnant [1][2]. - Cramer mentioned that the stock is not expensive but suggested that consolidation in the industry might be necessary for better performance [1]. Investment Considerations - While DraftKings shows potential as an investment, there are other AI stocks that may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk, indicating a competitive landscape for investment opportunities [3].

Market Overview - US stock futures are mixed, with Dow Jones futures down 0.5%, S&P 500 futures up 0.2%, and Nasdaq futures up 0.6% [1] - The Mag7 stocks' market cap share of the S&P 500 has decreased from 33% to 31% over the past two months, indicating a healthy development in the market [2] - Analysts express optimism for a potential surge in big tech stocks like Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Apple in the upcoming earnings reports [3] Currency and Commodities - The US dollar is weakening, with the DXY index reaching a four-month low, leading to increased interest in gold and the Swiss Franc as safe havens [4] - Deutsche Bank analysts suggest that gold could rise to $6,000 per ounce due to higher geopolitical volatility and increased demand for non-dollar assets [11][13] - European gold ETFs have attracted over €2 billion in net inflows since the beginning of the year, reflecting investor unease amid rising geopolitical tensions [22] UK Housing Market - The UK government announced a cap on annual ground rents at £250 for the first 40 years of a lease, which is not expected to significantly impact the lettings agency sector [5][7] - Analysts believe this policy aligns with the government's trend towards a more regulated housing market, favoring consumers [6] - The insurance industry has expressed concerns about the implications of retrospective changes to property rights, which could affect investor confidence in the UK market [10][11] Company Updates - HSBC has become the largest company in the FTSE 100, with a 2.8% surge attributed to positive developments in China's industrial profits [15][17] - Dr Martens reported a revenue decline of 3.1%, falling short of expectations, while still aiming for significant profit growth in the current financial year [33][39] - Burberry shares rose 1.5% after Barclays upgraded the stock, citing a successful turnaround strategy [20][21] Trade Developments - The EU and India have agreed on a significant trade deal, expected to cut tariffs on over 90% of EU goods exports, potentially boosting exports by €20-30 billion annually [41][42]

Joining us now is NEM senior analyst Bernie McTierin. Uh why should we not look at the disruptive forces of places like Khi and Poly Market and say that they will be the demise of all these traditional sports books and even the online ones. >> Yeah.No, it's a great question and certainly something investors are grappling with right now. Um, and I think the key thing to understand is I actually think prediction markets are going to be an asset for DraftKings and Flutter and and even Fanatics is going off aft ...

Core Insights - The rise of prediction markets is seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to traditional sports betting companies like DraftKings and Flutter, with significant investments planned in this area [2][3] - The total addressable market (TAM) for prediction markets is believed to be larger than that of online sports betting, as it includes demographics and regions where sports betting is not yet regulated [4] Investment and Market Trends - Flutter plans to invest $250 million in prediction markets by 2026, while DraftKings is expected to invest an additional $200 million [3] - Recent trends in New York's betting handle have heightened investor interest in prediction markets [5] Regulatory Environment - The legalization of sports betting is shifting from state-level decisions to a more national perspective, with the focus now on tax revenue generation [8] - The integrity of prediction markets is a concern, especially in light of recent scandals involving game-fixing among college students [6][7] Competitive Landscape - Companies like Sport Radar and Genius Sports are positioned to benefit from the investments made by major players in the prediction market space, acting as data providers [9]

随着Kalshi等平台美式橄榄球相关交易量激增，DraftKings与Flutter面临竞争压力；Robinhood、Coinbase 和芝商所等平台也在监管演变背景下涉足该领域。 责任编辑：张俊 SF065 责任编辑：张俊 SF065 随着Kalshi等平台美式橄榄球相关交易量激增，DraftKings与Flutter面临竞争压力；Robinhood、Coinbase 和芝商所等平台也在监管演变背景下涉足该领域。 ...

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that most Wall Street analysts believe prediction markets do not pose a threat to the business model of FanDuel, which is a key asset for Flutter [1]