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Casino firms continue merger plans despite higher borrowing costs

High interest rates are not stopping companies from buying and selling regional casino properties across the country.

Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 6 October 2026

Experts observing the recent gaming expo in Las Vegas noted that bond market volatility remains a concern for investors. Despite this, private and financial firms still show strong interest in purchasing regional gaming venues. Borrowing costs are currently high, yet deal making remains active in the sector.

Ongoing deal activity

A massive acquisition deal involving the Caesars brand is expected to close next year. This shows that major players are still moving forward with large purchases. The deal relies on significant debt financing, which suggests confidence in the current market conditions.

Opportunities for specific operators

Century Casinos and Churchill Downs are names to watch as potential targets for buyers. Century is selling some of its Canadian properties to manage debt levels. Churchill Downs has several regional casinos available for sale, which may attract interest from those looking to grow their portfolios.

Online betting outlook

Large scale mergers in the online betting and sports wagering sectors seem unlikely for now. Falling share prices make it hard for companies to use their stock as payment for new deals. Most online operators want to focus on smaller product improvements rather than big company takeovers.

Investors and analysts feel that legal uncertainty also slows down the pace of consolidation for online platforms. The focus remains on tools that improve pricing or help acquire new users. Big moves in the digital space are likely off the table until market conditions stabilize.