Penn Entertainment Considers Divestiture Amid Potential Flutter and Boyd Gaming Partnership

08.07.2024

Recent movements within Penn Entertainment have caught the attention of the industry as activist investors urge the company to consider divesting its digital gaming operations. Flutter and Boyd Gaming are now rumored to be discussing a partnership that could reshape their stakes in the market.

Potential Partnerships and Market Reactions

Boyd Gaming already holds a 5% ownership in Flutter and collaborates with Flutter’s FanDuel for retail and digital sports betting across the United States.

Despite these discussions, the market reaction has been varied. Penn’s stock experienced a notable increase of 4.22% following the news, suggesting positive investor sentiment regarding the potential divestiture and subsequent dealings.

Conversely, Flutter’s and Boyd Gaming’s stocks showed minimal change, indicating a cautious or wait-and-see approach from their investors.

Strategic Implications and Industry Perspectives

Experts believe that involving Flutter in a deal with Boyd could bring substantial strategic benefits.

According to gaming consultant Brendan Bussmann, this move could facilitate Flutter’s entry into the ESPN brand for online services, while also enhancing its physical presence through Boyd’s established facilities.

Such a partnership could alter the competitive dynamics, particularly in states where Boyd and Penn currently hold substantial market shares.