Macquarie Analysts Issued Outlook on Gaming Stocks
Market analysts adjusted price targets as prediction platforms saw significant growth in recent weeks.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Gambling
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Macquarie released a preview note on October 7 highlighting a resilient gaming industry despite a recent 12% decline in stock values. While traditional online betting wagers dipped 1% in August, prediction markets surged to $19 billion in taker volume during September.
Why it matters
The analysis suggests that while traditional sports betting faces minor fluctuations, the rapidly expanding prediction market sector is capturing significant consumer interest. This shift indicates a potential divergence in how users engage with betting platforms during major sporting events.
Macquarie lowered price targets for Flutter to $128 and DraftKings to $34 following a 12% gaming sector stock decline. Meanwhile, prediction markets reached $802 million in volume on opening NFL Sunday, with Kalshi expected to hold 70% of that market share.
The players
Macquarie
This is a global financial services group headquartered in Australia that provides asset management and banking services.
Flutter
This is a global sports betting and gaming company that operates several well-known wagering brands.
DraftKings
This is a major American digital sports entertainment and gaming company known for its mobile betting platform.
Kalshi
This is a federally regulated prediction market platform that allows users to trade contracts on the outcome of future events.
The details
Analysts compiled their latest findings using industry data and meetings held at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. The surge in prediction market volume was driven primarily by the start of the NFL and college football seasons.
Timeline
August 2026 saw a 1% decline in the amount wagered in U.S. online betting.
September 2026 recorded $19 billion in prediction market taker volume.
October 7, 2026, marks the publication date of the Macquarie preview note.
Culture Shift
The transition toward prediction markets mirrors a broader societal shift where consumers increasingly engage with speculative event outcomes over traditional sports betting. This evolution suggests a departure from legacy gambling models as digital platforms continue to disrupt established industry norms.
Consumers may find increased availability and variety on prediction market platforms as Kalshi continues to capture significant market share. However, the decline in traditional betting stock targets could lead to shifts in promotional offers or user incentives across major platforms like DraftKings and Flutter.
The takeaway
The gaming industry is successfully diversifying its reach by tapping into the high-volume prediction market sector alongside traditional sports betting. Investors and casual bettors alike should monitor how these platforms manage the increased volume during major sporting seasons.
What happens next
The FIFA World Cup in July 2026 is projected to provide a significant boost in wagering activity for the industry.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of online wagering, visit the Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GamblingNews.
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