Photo by PICRYL, PDM 1.0
Caesars changing control
Fertitta, who already owns the Golden Nugget casino brand, is on the verge of taking over one of the largest casino, gaming, and hospitality brands in the world.
Caesars’ stock price was up as high as $29.43 (2.3 percent) on Thursday morning and is up 0.8 percent at the time of writing. The price is also up roughly 16 percent since talks between Fertitta and Caesars were first reported in February.
The announcement confirming the sale agreement did not include remarks from officials or spokespeople from any of the entities involved. It did, however, assert that Caesars’ Board found the cash premium offered by the $31 value per share to be "compelling" for shareholders.
It also noted Fertitta Entertainment’s track record of success in various avenues of business, including hospitality and entertainment.
The agreement includes a “go-shop” period that expires on July 11, during which Caesars and its advisors may negotiate acquisition proposals from third parties. If a more enticing deal is reached, Caesars holds the right to terminate its arrangement with Fertitta Entertainment.
Caesars also is not required to keep Fertitta Entertainment informed on its alternative proposal negotiations.
That’s a pretty big deal
Assuming the sale to Fertitta Entertainment is finalized, there are plans to keep Caesars Entertainment’s Chief Executive Officer, Tom Reeg, Chief Financial Officer, Bret Yunker, and President and Chief Operating Officer, Anthony Carano in their current positions. Other members of the corporate and property management teams will also be expected to stay in their roles.
“Caesars and Fertitta Entertainment have a shared commitment to operational excellence, customer service, and disciplined growth, with employees and guests remaining at the heart of the business,” the announcement stated.
Customers across the country will be connected through the Caesars Rewards network. This loyalty program will be active at 60 casino-resorts, online sportsbooks and online casinos, poker, retail sports betting, and Fertitta Entertainment outlets at locations such as restaurants.
Fertitta, a heavy donor to President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign and the current U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino, is expected to receive approval for the deal.
Caesars would be the crown jewel in Fertitta’s portfolio, which already includes the NBA’s Houston Rockets, Golden Nugget, and more entities.
Despite its global presence, Caesars has encountered roadblocks recently. Its online sports betting operation fell far behind market leaders FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, and it ceded ground to the fast-rising Fanatics.
Tourism and visitation are also down in Las Vegas, limiting the number of filled seats on casino gaming floors.
Related News
ACMA Publishes Guidance on Australia's Betting Ad Ban for Athletes and Influencers
Australia's betting ad rules change soon. From 1 January 2027, licensed operators cannot use well-known people to promote wagering. Last month, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) explained how it will apply the ban. Here is what the guidance says.
Sun International Moves to Block Grant Recipients from Online Betting
Sun International will stop customers who declare a social grant or student aid from opening Sunbet accounts. The company admits it cannot check those declarations.
ProgressPlay CEO Receives Personal Warning Over Gambling Compliance Failures
The UK Gambling Commission has issued a formal warning to ProgressPlay chief executive Itai Loewenstein after finding shortcomings in his oversight of anti-money laundering and customer protection requirements.
.jpg)
Wazdan CCO Andrzej Hyla Wins iGaming Leader of the Year Award
Wazdan's Chief Commercial Officer Andrzej Hyla has been recognised at the 2026 European iGaming Excellence Awards, following another year of international expansion for the Malta-based supplier.
Banijay Gaming Gets Green Light for Joa Casino Acquisition in France
French competition authorities have approved Banijay Gaming's takeover of casino operator Joa, bringing 33 land-based venues into the group's expanding European gambling portfolio.
Gambling Commission steps up illegal market crackdown as industry pressures mount
The Gambling Commission has significantly increased its action against illegal operators, while acknowledging growing financial pressures on Britain's licensed gambling industry.
Ontario iGaming Sets Record With 1.41M Active Accounts
Ontario's regulated iGaming market hit 1.41 million active accounts in September 2026, while casino revenue set a record for the third straight month.
Former Tory MP altered passport image to bypass gambling self-exclusion
Former Conservative MP Katie Wallis has received a nine-month conditional discharge after admitting to changing a digital passport image to access a gambling website despite being registered with Gamstop.
Irish gambling study raises concerns over operator marketing and customer safeguards
New research suggests gambling advertisements and operator notifications influence betting behaviour, as Ireland prepares to introduce tougher industry regulations.
.jpg)
Illegal gambling survey reveals divide over scale of UK black market
New research from the UK Gambling Commission suggests relatively few British consumers use illegal gambling websites, although industry experts have questioned whether the findings capture the true extent of the black market.
Cirsa targets upper end of 2026 guidance as Lottomatica merger advances
Cirsa expects to finish 2026 at the upper end of its guidance after online betting led Q3 growth, as shareholders prepare to consider its proposed merger with Lottomatica.
Canada's Sports Betting Ad Bill Reaches House Report Stage
A House committee amended Canada's Bill S-211, doubling the framework deadline to two years and rejecting a Conservative push to ban in-game betting ads.
Indiana Voters Say “No” to Casinos in Three Counties
Indiana legislators approved House Bill 1038 in February, paving the way for a casino license to be created in any of the three counties.
Brazil's STF Wraps Up Hearing on Online Betting Ban
Justice Luiz Fux heard officials, soccer clubs, and betting groups argue over Brazil's online betting ban, which stays in force pending a ruling.
Texas’ Lt. Gov. and Gambling Critic Lost the Midterm Elections
Goodwin was one of several Democrats who flipped Republican-held positions, further opening the door to a possible shift in state stance.
Dutch Licensed Operators Capture Just 59% of Online Gambling Revenue
The Netherlands’ gambling regulator estimates that illegal operators account for 41% of online gambling revenue, despite most players using licensed sites.
Spain requires online gambling operators to verify payment ownership
New Spanish rules require operators to match payment methods to account holders, with restrictions on winnings withdrawals during the transition.
Danish gambling lessons shift students’ focus from winnings to entertainment
Students reported a better understanding of gambling after classroom presentations, although unmatched survey responses limit conclusions about individual changes.
Machine Games Duty: Protecting Profits Could Come at a Cost to Venues
Larger gambling groups see ways to absorb higher machine games duty, but their response could mean fewer venues and weaker investment.
MPs Study Bill S-211 to Curb Sports Betting Ads in Canada
MPs are studying Bill S-211, which would set national standards for sports betting ads. One Liberal MP wants a full ban, while provinces push back.
Saquon Barkley Divests Polymarket Stake Due to NFL Gambling Rules
Saquon Barkley has exited his Polymarket investment as the NFL maintains stricter prediction market restrictions than other professional sports leagues.
MGM Amends Voting Pact With People Inc., Caps Stake at 29.9%
MGM Resorts and Barry Diller's People Inc. agreed to a 29.9% ownership cap, five weeks after People Inc. dropped its bid to take MGM private.
CFTC Discusses Prediction Market Oversight at NEXTPredict
CFTC officials and prediction market executives discussed offshore regulation, insider trading, and sports integrity at NEXTPredict.
ASA rules betting affiliate ad shown for self-exclusion search was irresponsible
Optival said automated search matching could explain why its betting promotion appeared, but the ASA found its targeting safeguards were insufficient.
.jpg)
British racing warns of £57m annual funding hit after MGD rise
The British Horseracing Authority has warned that higher machine taxes could trigger betting-shop closures and cut vital financial contributions to racing. Highlights:
UK gambling industry warns of illegal market risks after MGD increase
A rise in machine games duty from 20% to 25% has prompted warnings over venue closures, investment and the competitive position of licensed gambling businesses.
Study Finds 43% of Children are Gambling, Many With Problems
Of even greater concern was that nearly 40% of individuals who said they had risked money when gambling said that they experienced a form of problem gambling.
UK gambling tax rise adds pressure after Farage Gibraltar talks
Higher machine duty adds to gambling operators’ tax burden after Gibraltar’s lobbying push, while campaigners demand football advertising curbs.
Alberta iGaming Produces Over $2 Billion in Wagers in First Quarter
More than 50 sites — including platforms as big as FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM, down to smaller competitors — are licensed in Alberta.
Sphere at National Harbor Wins Final $215M Bond Approval
Prince George's County Council voted 8-0 to approve up to $215 million in bonds for a $1.4 billion Sphere venue next to MGM National Harbor.
Lula Re-Elected: Brazil's Online Betting Ban Stays in Place
Lula's fourth-term win keeps Brazil's online betting ban intact. Operators now look to Congress and the Supreme Federal Court for a path back to market.
.jpg)
Italian authorities seize €25m in assets in scratchcard fraud case
Italian financial police have seized assets worth more than €25 million in a case involving five former employees accused of using confidential data to identify winning scratchcards.
Premier League gambling shirt ban leaves widespread advertising exposure
A University of Bristol study suggests the Premier League’s front-of-shirt gambling sponsorship ban has left substantial advertising exposure through pitchside boards, sleeves and training kits.