The gaming industry has witnessed significant merger and acquisition activity in 2026, featuring some of the sector’s most prominent players. Notable among these events is Fertitta Entertainment's ambitious $17.6 billion deal aimed at taking Caesars Entertainment private. In another major move, Underdog has agreed to be acquired by British firm IG Group for $1.3 billion. Meanwhile, MGM Resorts International is currently reviewing an $18 billion takeover bid from People Inc. Additionally, Evolution has decided to abandon its planned acquisition of Galaxy Gaming.
In other news from the gaming mergers and acquisitions landscape, bet365 has launched online sports betting in Washington, D.C. as an official partner of three major professional sports teams in the area. The British operator began accepting bets in the capital on September 8, marking its entry into the 19th U.S. market, following its recent expansion into West Virginia in late August.
The NFL is entering the new season with a refreshed roster of official sports betting partnerships, which now includes Fanatics Betting and Gaming alongside re-signed partners FanDuel and DraftKings. Both FanDuel and DraftKings have been associated with the league since 2021, and their new agreements come after their previous deals expired at the end of last season. Fanatics has also secured its position as the league's official online casino marketing partner.
In developments outside traditional M&A, VICI Properties disclosed during an earnings call on July 30 that it is collaborating with Caesars on a proposal for a potential NBA arena in Las Vegas. The NBA is exploring expansion into either Las Vegas or Seattle, and VICI owns real estate for eight Caesars-operated casinos on the Las Vegas strip, including 50 acres behind Paris, Horseshoe, and Planet Hollywood.
ProphetX, focusing on prediction markets, has completed a $35 million fundraising round to enhance product development and expand its B2B offerings. Supported by notable firms such as Parlay Capital and FDJ Ventures, ProphetX aims to capitalize on growing demand following its launch and the recent receipt of CFTC approval to operate as a federally regulated sports-native prediction market.
Churchill Downs is planning to divest nine regional casinos, with CEO Bill Carstanjen stating that the company will aim to sell them individually or in smaller groups rather than as a block. Key properties for sale include the Hard Rock Casino in Iowa and the Ocean Downs in Maryland, among others.
In recent acquisitions, Bally’s Corporation has acquired Sam’s Town Shreveport from Boyd Gaming for $30 million, intending to rebrand the venue. At the same time, Illitch Gaming has completed the purchase of the remaining 50% stake in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, pending regulatory approval.
In a strategic rebranding move, Gambling.com Group has transitioned its name to Grandstand, reflecting a shift from its original identity as a gambling affiliate. While the flagship site will remain operational under its current domain, the company now operates under the Nasdaq ticker GRSD.
Lastly, Bragg Gaming Group has taken a step into horse racing by acquiring Drayton International, a B2B firm with several game development stakes and technology platforms. This acquisition aligns with Bragg's strategy to venture into new markets, including regulated sports betting and the growing segment of online horse wagering, following earlier statements about expanding into prediction markets.
