Last week gave the gaming and iGaming space a fresh pulse, with key players like DraftKings, Century Casinos and Esports Entertainment outperforming the broader S&P 500—signaling growing investor confidence despite macroeconomic headwinds like interest rate uncertainty and geopolitical noise.
Century Casinos led the rally with a 15.5% jump, bouncing back from recent lows after renewed analyst interest. Major firms flagged the stock as undervalued, citing catalysts such as the launch of the Magique live show in mid-July. With a mean target price of $5, nearly double its current range, Century is positioning itself as a comeback story in the land-based segment.
DraftKings followed with a solid 7% gain, boosted by its announcement of a $0.50 transaction fee in Illinois starting this September. Analysts maintained bullish positions, noting the fee as a margin-defense strategy in the face of rising tax burdens across several U.S. states. Multiple price targets now hover between $50 and $60, indicating confidence in the company’s scalability and consumer reach.
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Meanwhile, Esports Entertainment Group rebounded with an 8.5% gain after a steep 16.7% drop the week before. Although the stock still trades roughly 68% below its 52-week high and carries significant debt risk, speculative investors seized on the dip, anticipating a potential turnaround.
For those tracking gaming stocks, the recent movement reveals both volatility and opportunity. Century Casinos appeals to value-driven investors with a taste for recovery plays. DraftKings continues to attract long-term growth capital, especially from institutions that see sports betting as a mainstream entertainment trend. Esports Entertainment, while risky, offers a niche play in the esports wagering and gaming media space.
As the second half of 2025 unfolds, investors are watching these names closely, especially with earnings season and regulatory developments on the horizon. The sector may still be a gamble—but for now, the odds are drawing attention.
