CHDN - Vaccine boost seen for regional casino stocks as recovery heats up

Bank of America thinks regional casino stocks could see a big quarter as older gamblers return after the pandemic break. The firm notes that regional demand underperformed in January and February due to COVID cases/restrictions, weather and a tough calendar, but says early March data has been very strong. "Four of the seven states that have reported have set all-time monthly Gross gaming revenue records (MD, OH, MO, IA), +11% from 2019 levels on average. We think pent-up demand and a return of older gamblers should drive upside in coming months but less promo and non-gaming could still keep reported net revenue below pre-COVID levels. We believe margins could be messy in Q1, but we expect most managements to remain constructive on the LT outlook. Online ambitions, strategies, state launch timing and potential M&A will also be a focus." Sector watch: Boyd Gaming ([[BYD]] +1.8%), Penn National Gaming ([[PENN]] +0.3%),

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Vaccine boost seen for regional casino stocks as recovery heats up