Could the United States Legalize Online Gambling Any Day Now?

Stars Group Inc. (TSX:TSGI)(NYSE:TSG) could get a big boost if the Supreme Court rules favourably for online sports betting.

Expansion into the United States has always been a major potential catalyst for Stars Group Inc. (TSX:TSGI)(NASDAQ:TSG). And while the company has expanded slowly into the United States, with a variety of applications, there remain multiple issues, such as federal bands on both casino games and sports betting.

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 bans sports gambling across the United States. The problem with any prohibition is that people will simply go underground for it. According to the American Gaming Association, US$10.4 billion was the expected amount to be wagered on March Madness 2017. Only US$295 million was legal. And with all sporting events in the country, we’re looking at hundreds of billions of dollars.

But back in June, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case on the constitutionality of this bill. There was significant discussion during the trial, and the court is expected to pass down its ruling any week now. Some are even suggesting it could happen on Monday.

If the Supreme Court says that banning online sports gambling is unconstitutional, going against the 10th amendment — any issue not delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution is thus decided by the states — then New Jersey (which brought the suit) would be allowed to open sports gambling. And then I imagine every other state would do the same.

Getting exposure to each of these states would be a massive win for Stars Group. Therefore, it’d be a massive win for investors that have held on to this company as it grows.

Even if the U.S. Supreme Court says the bill is constitutional, Stars Group is still in a great position to grow, and the numbers show it.

In the fourth quarter 2017, the company brought in $360 million in revenue with adjusted net earnings of $112 million. This is compared to $310 million and $107 million of revenue and earnings, respectively, in the previous year.

Broken down, poker revenue accounted for $234 million — an increase of approximately 7.9%. Casino & Sportsbook revenue came in at $112.5 million — an increase of 40.3%. One reason that both types of gaming saw such a boost is because of the USD to CAD conversion. Without that, the growth would have been smaller but still impressive.

Looking forward, the company expects to bring in $1.39-1.47 billion in revenue for 2018 compared to $1.3 billion in 2017. And adjusted net earnings are expected to be $487-512 million compared to $459 million in 2017.

My philosophy on online gambling has always been the same: local jurisdictions, which are starved for tax revenue, will do whatever they can to generate it. That’s why I fully expect online gambling to be legalized in the United States — perhaps not under this administration, but it’s bound to happen.

When it does happen, Stars Group will be in a position to pounce. Online gambling isn’t going anywhere. I believe everyone should have exposure to this rapidly growing market.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Jacob Donnelly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Tech Stocks

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

Could Investing $20,000 in Nvidia Make You a Millionaire?

Nvidia stock has made investors millionaires in the last 10 years. Is it too late to invest to become a…

Read more »

Business man on stock market financial trade indicator background.
Tech Stocks

1 Growth Stock Down 50 Percent to Buy Right Now

There are plenty of growth stocks in the market worth considering, but Shopify (TSX:SHOP) looks like one of the best…

Read more »

Woman has an idea
Tech Stocks

Prediction: 1 Stock That Could Trounce the Market 

The TSX has been favouring tech stocks, but not this one. However, it has the potential to trounce the market…

Read more »

clock time
Tech Stocks

Long-Term Investing: 3 Top Canadian Stocks You Can Buy for Under $20 a Share

These three under-$20 stocks offer excellent buying opportunities for long-term investors.

Read more »

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

AI Will Transform Everything: Investors, Be Early Adopters and Buy These 3 Stocks

Investors looking to invest in companies doing big things in AI should consider these three stocks for their portfolios.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Tech Stocks

Forget Shopify: These Unstoppable Stocks Are Better Buys Today 

Should you consider buying Shopify stock while rivals consider a buyout or should you go for stocks with a stronger…

Read more »

A colourful firework display
Tech Stocks

2 Potentially Explosive Stocks to Buy in March

These two growth stocks are destined for many more years of market-crushing returns.

Read more »

edit CRA taxes
Tech Stocks

TFSA Millionaires Are Learning They Can Still Be Taxed

If you day trade stocks like Shopify (TSX:SHOP) in a TFSA, you may be taxed.

Read more »