FANTINI’S FINANCE: The Trump Factor

Now that a former casino owner is president of the United States, what does it mean for the gaming industry? Will Donald Trump understand the realities of today’s industry...

Published January 16, 2017

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Fond Goodbye to 2016

The year is winding to a close, with a bonus for the gaming industry: casino legalization in Japan. Let’s remember what other gifts were delivered for gaming long before...

Published December 26, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Japan? What Now?

Now that the impossible has happened—Japan legalizing casinos—what happens next and how can investors get involved? The rules have yet to be written, so what shape will the casino...

Published December 19, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Triple Play + 1

Three smaller companies based in Nevada are making a name for themselves in regional markets. And slot maker AGS is coming on strong with some very interesting prospects on...

Published November 21, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Elections Have Consequences

The gaming industry had much to ponder last week following the U.S. election. A new president—a former casino owner—brought some doubt, but the rejection of gaming expansion in some...

Published November 14, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Something Completely Different

The third-quarter earnings season will be anything bur ordinary as investors seek to interpret the recent developments in Macau, the Las Vegas Strip and locals markets, and regional casinos....

Published October 31, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Chinese Checkers

The crackdown by the Chinese government on the international marketing arm of Crown Resorts sent shudders through the industry last week. So how wise is it to depend on...

Published October 24, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: iGaming On The Verge

Yes, the debut of iGaming in the United States was something of a dud, but a funny thing has been happening over the past two years. iGaming has been...

Published October 17, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Growth is Good

Eldorado Resorts jumps to “major player” status with last week’s purchase of Isle of Capri Casinos. Suddenly Eldorado can become a company that can reach $2 billion in annual...

Published September 26, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Shrinkage Factor

There are fewer opportunities for investors on gaming’s supply side, with sales and consolidations. And the dynamics get more difficult as it’s not just machines and systems anymore.

Published August 29, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Government Interference

The shuttering of PhilWeb in the Philippines brings back the recognition that gaming often exists at the whim of governments and changes in leadership can impact the jobs, revenue...

Published August 22, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Mixed Results

Preliminary second-quarter earnings results for gaming companies are shaky and seem to have confused some of the analysts. As usual, Sheldon Adelson’s comments drew the most attention and the...

Published August 1, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Giants Walk the Land

If anyone thought that the combination of companies that resulted in the reformed IGT and the super-sized Scientific Games would open the door for the smaller, more nimble slot...

Published July 25, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Same Old, Same Old

The elements that contributed to first quarter results are still in place, and it’s doubtful anything will change for the remainder of the year. What does that mean to...

Published July 18, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Brexit Impact

One of the biggest hits stocks have received in several years is a result of the Brexit vote last week in the United Kingdom. It’s had impact, as expected...

Published July 4, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Industry Giants Head in Different Directions

At one time the two largest companies in the gaming industry, MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment were in lockstep. Success for one meant success for the other. Misfortune for...

Published June 27, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Isle Transformation

Isle of Capri, a regional gaming company, has posted an impressive debt-to-EBIDTA ratio that portends great things. In Las Vegas, the introduction of an NHL franchise could encourage other...

Published June 20, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Are REITs Real?

The current financing craze in the gaming industry is the real estate investment trust (REIT). Their attraction for investors is mainly the dividend. But exactly how does this work?

Published June 13, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Real Time With REITs

While real estate investment trusts (REITs) and currently the craze in the gaming industry, not all REITs are created equal. The recent creation of MGM Growth Properties is different...

Published May 23, 2016

FANTINI’S FINANCE: The Boyd Strategy

Slow and steady usually wins the race, but Boyd Gaming’s stunning moves over the past two weeks immediately puts the company into a dominant position in the Las Vegas...

Published May 2, 2016