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The casino industry has faced significant challenges in recent years due to two major developments: the rise of online gaming and the onset of the COVID pandemic. Both of these factors posed serious hurdles for the industry, leading to a period of below-average performance.

In 2020, the hospitality sector, including casinos, experienced a sharp decline as COVID-19 impacted people's willingness and ability to travel. However, with the rollout of vaccines and an improving economy, this industry has bounced back. The growth of mobile betting has also opened new avenues for the gaming and gambling industry to thrive.

The bottom line is that it’s once again a good time to consider investing in casinos and gaming platforms. Barring another pandemic, there doesn’t look like anything that can slow down this industry. Even then, mobile sports betting and online casinos can help to keep companies afloat. With that in mind, we put together a list of several gaming and gambling stocks that are worth consideration from investors.

Caesars Entertainment (CZR)

Caesars is one of several companies that has both brick-and-mortar and online gambling platforms. There are dozens of Caesars properties throughout the U.S., most notably in Las Vegas. The company also owns the American branch of William Hill, one of the biggest betting names in the U.K., which runs its online sports betting platform. Therefore, Caesars is a well-rounded company with a long list of assets.

DraftKings (DKNG)

Since it became legal for states to offer mobile sports betting in 2018, DraftKings has become one of the most respected names in the industry. That’s because they were a proven entity before that with its daily fantasy sports platform. That reputation makes DraftKings a reliable investment, especially since the company also has B2C and B2B units that create sports betting software.

Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Despite its name, Las Vegas Sands is primarily focused on properties in Asia after selling Vegas-based properties in 2022. But keep in mind that Asia has a huge population and an emerging market. With the Las Vegas Sands list of properties including the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and the Four Seasons Hotel Macao, there is huge potential for this company.

MGM Resorts International (MGM)

Of course, MGM is another trusted name in the gambling industry. The company has several notable properties in Las Vegas that are popular with tourists. MGM also has both a brick-and-mortar and online sportsbook. But there is even diversity in MGM’s portfolio. BetMGM is one of more than two dozen licensed online casinos in New Jersey. With New Jersey being the capital of the online casino world, that speaks highly of BetMGM for potential investors.

Wynn Resorts (WYNN)

Wynn is doing a great job of balancing properties in both Las Vegas and Asia. They have four-star hotels and casinos in both places, giving the company a diverse portfolio. While Wynn is competitive in the Las Vegas market, most of its cash is coming from Macau, where it’s working to expand operations, showing the upside of the stock. The kicker is that Wynn Interactive also offers online gaming and sports betting, making Wynn a company that does it all.