Are Gaming Stocks Still a Good Bet in September?

Stars Group Inc. (TSX:TSGI)(NASDAQ:TSG) and Great Canadian Gaming Corp. (TSX:GC) could present attractive buy-low opportunities for investors on the hunt for growth right now.

In the beginning of the year, I’d recommended two gaming stocks for Canadian investors to zero in on in 2018. Stars Group (TSX:TSGI)(NASDAQ:TSG) stock has climbed 12.6% in 2018 as of close on September 5. This is in spite of a sharp tumble that began in late July. Great Canadian Gaming (TSX:GC) stock has increased 29.5% in 2018 so far.

There are several reasons to remain optimistic about gaming stocks as we head into the fall. Chief among them is the strong economic environment in Canada and the United States. Gambling institutions do their best business during healthy economic environments where patrons have money to spend. Of course, this is not the only factor that should inspire investors to bet on the two stocks above. Let’s dive into both today.

Stars Group

Stars Group stock has plunged 30.9% over the past three months as of close on September 5. Strong quarterly earnings were not enough to beat back the July and August correction. Broader trends have also been falling in a promising direction for the company.

According to a report published by Juniper Research, the value of online betting will rise to $700 billion in 2018 compared to $620 billion in the prior year. Even more tantalizing was the projection that online betting could reach $1 trillion by 2022 with the number of online gamblers rising by over 100% in that period. A key U.S. Supreme Court decision could be a big contributor going forward.

Stars Group celebrated the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down a 1992 federal ban on sports betting in May. The decision paves the way for legal sports betting and several states have already begun to move to legalize sports gambling. This is unsurprising ahead of the 2018 NFL season. The NFL attracts the most gamblers across major sports in the United States.

Total revenue at Stars Group rose 34.8% year over year to $411.5 million in the second quarter. Adjusted net earnings also climbed 14.9% to $131 million. The summer dip at Stars Group is an enticing buy-low opportunity for investors on the hunt for a growth stock in gaming.

Great Canadian Gaming

Great Canadian Gaming stock has dropped 20% over a three-month span dating back to early June. In the second quarter, the company benefited from the inclusion of revenues from its GTA Bundle acquisition. Total revenues rose 90% year over year to $305.3 million and adjusted EBITDA surged 98% to $124.6 million.

On August 30, Great Canadian Gaming received all regulatory approvals to open table gaming at Casino Woodbine. Its subsidiary, One Toronto Gaming (OTG), plans to place an additional 50 live dealer tables and 300 slot machines at Casino Woodbine. The company is expected to release its third-quarter results in early November.

Great Canadian Gaming will continue to benefit from the boost in revenue from its GTA Bundle acquisition. Ambitious renovations are underway that will aim to transform the locations into more lucrative assets in the long term. Investors should look for entry points ahead of its Q3 earnings release.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

A data center engineer works on a laptop at a server farm.
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Data Centre Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Data centres are going to be a huge growth opportunity in the next decade. And these are the top buys.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Bank Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Dividend Stock Down 28% to Buy and Hold for Decades

This top Canadian dividend stock is underperforming its large peers this year, but a turnaround could be on the horizon.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Investing

Secure a Wealthy Future With These 3 Canadian Stocks

These Canadian stocks have the potential to appreciate substantially over time and may also enhance returns through dividend payments.

Read more »

Tractor spraying a field of wheat
Dividend Stocks

Is Nutrien Stock a Buy for its Dividend Yield?

Nutrien is down more than 50% form the 2022 highs. Is NTR stock now oversold?

Read more »

analyze data
Investing

3 Blue-Chip Stocks Every Canadian Should Own

These blue-chip stocks are backed by large-cap companies with well-established businesses, solid fundamentals, and a growing earnings base.

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Stocks for Beginners

The Smartest Growth Stock to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

Do you have $2,000 to invest for the long term? These three TSX stocks have and will continue to deliver…

Read more »