Fitch predicts difficulties in US gaming and sports betting market

US leisure sector, including gaming, tourism, lodging and restaurants, is expected to lose up to 60% in revenue this year.

Fitch Ratings found that the US leisure business sector is expected to lose between 40 to 60% in revenue this year, indicating the highest drop across more than 80 different sectors that were inspected. The data includes gaming, tourism, lodging and restaurants.

Analysts predict the revenue loss by the end of this year might go as far as $5 trillion. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, more than 1,000 casinos had to be closed, and only recently did the country allow more than half of them to re-open. Las Vegas should expect a slow recovery, despite resuming operations. Yet revenues in Vegas will likely be down by 50% by the end of the year, while regional markets are predicted to drop by 20%. The falls can be attributed to the strict healthy regulations, including the recommended 50% capacity, reduced seating and limited restaurant options.

Much of the casino industry should re-open by the end of June and beginning of July claimed Fitch analysts. They also said that the 50% capacity might be enough for casinos to remain in the clear, but the 15% that is proposed by Detroit seems doubtful. Another issue is the reluctance to travel by plane so visitor count will suffer.

While most major sporting events could return by the second half of the year, it’s unclear if spectators will be allowed to attend, but there are plans in place, including limited seating, distancing and reduced capacity. Whether the spectators will be allowed or not, analysts predict some growth in sports betting when the events resume.

Violeta Prockyte

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