Global gaming stocks surge 28 per cent

Cyprus-based game developer and publisher GDEV was included in the latest Drake Star Global Gaming Report for the second quarter of 2025, with valuation metrics that signal stability and strong fundamentals despite recent market volatility.

As of December 31, 2024, GDEV shares were trading at $15.06, giving the company a market capitalisation of $273.4 million and an enterprise value of $135.6 million.

Its last twelve months (LTM) revenue stood at $420.9 million, with LTM EBITDA of $45.1 million.

This translates to an enterprise value-to-revenue multiple of 0.3x for both LTM and next twelve months (NTM), while the EV/EBITDA multiple was 3.5x for LTM and 3.1x for NTM.

The company posted modest but positive EBITDA growth of 4 per cent for both the LTM and expected NTM periods.

Revenue growth was negative 6 per cent in both periods, yet GDEV maintained an EBITDA margin of 10.7 per cent. In addition, its price-to-earnings multiple was 10.9x LTM and is projected at 7.6x NTM.

These metrics position GDEV favourably compared to peers in the mobile-focused gaming sector, especially in light of market averages.

Across the broader sample analysed by Drake Star, the average EV/EBITDA multiple was 6.0x for LTM and 4.0x for NTM, with average revenue growth of negative 3 per cent LTM and a projected 8 per cent increase NTM.

GDEV’s efficient capital structure and consistent margins suggest a measured and sustainable operational approach, despite facing declining revenue.

Meanwhile, the Drake Star Gaming Index, which tracks 35 major listed gaming companies, rose by 28 per cent in the first half of 2025, outperforming the S&P 500’s 5 per cent gain, reflecting renewed investor interest in gaming stocks.

Top performers included Square Enix, Roblox, and Konami, while in Europe, CD Projekt RED, everplay group, and MTG led the charge.

Furthermore, in terms of the US market, Roblox, Corsair, and Take-Two posted strong gains.

Gaming mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity remained steady in the second quarter of 2025, with 46 deals announced.

The largest transaction was Krafton’s $516 million acquisition of ADK, a Japanese firm with interests in advertising, animation, and mobile game development.

Other major deals included Epic Games acquiring Loci, Apple purchasing RAC7, and PlayVS acquiring Generation Esports and PlayFly College Esports.

PC and console gaming tied with blockchain gaming for the highest number of M&A deals, following a sharp rise in blockchain-related transactions.

Venture capital activity also saw a high-profile exit with CVC’s investment in Dream Games, valued at approximately $2.5 billion.

Other notable financings included Tencent’s $80 million investment in Arrowhead, $28 million raised by Wolves Esports Club from Lvfa Group, and $27 million secured by AI gaming startup Sett.

Additional funding rounds were completed by Turkish mobile studio Bigger Games, which raised $25 million, and Hybe IM with $21 million.

Key investors over the past year included Play Ventures, BITKRAFT, and Makers Fund, while at the seed stage, Goodwater, TIRTA, and 1AM Gaming led activity.

On the strategic side, major players such as Krafton, Tencent, and Samsung were the most active, while Animoca, Spartan, and Gam3Girl Ventures were leaders in blockchain gaming investments.

On the public market side, Take-Two Interactive announced plans for a $1 billion public stock offering, with an option to sell an additional $150 million.

GameStop also announced a debt raise exceeding $2 billion, while Embracer plans to spin off Coffee Stain Group as a separate publicly listed entity by year-end.

The report also stated that Discord is reportedly in advanced talks with banks regarding a potential IPO.

Drake Star further stated that it anticipates that the strong performance of gaming stocks in early 2025 will drive a new wave of M&A activity in late 2025 and 2026, as companies leverage higher equity valuations to pursue growth.

The report also expects a resurgence in IPO activity supported by a broader market recovery.

Moreover, private equity is projected to remain active, with a mix of take-private deals and growth equity placements.

Finally, key growth areas include AI and technology platforms, although later-stage funding is expected to remain difficult to secure.

The gaming industry’s shift to digital-first engagement has created a critical inflection point for operators like Caesars Entertainment (CZR). As traditional brick-and-mortar casinos face saturation in key markets, Caesars is leveraging its iconic brand equity and strategic partnerships to dominate the online gambling space. Central to this strategy is its 2025 trilogy of live dealer studios, culminating in the Michigan launch—a move that underscores the company’s ability to blend physical legacy with cutting-edge digital innovation. This article examines how Caesars is accelerating its digital growth through bespoke studios, jurisdictional expansion, and ESG-driven credibility, while offering investors a compelling entry point into a still-underappreciated growth story.

The Michigan Launch: A Masterclass in Bespoke Digital Experience

Caesars’ Michigan studio, launched in July 2025, marks the third installment in its 2025 live dealer rollout, following successful launches in Pennsylvania (January 2025) and New Jersey (April 2025). Each studio is designed to replicate the opulence of Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip, complete with custom-branded felts, partnerships with sports teams, and VIP-exclusive tables offering 1-to-1 high-limit blackjack interactions. This “Las Vegas in your living room” approach is no gimmick: the Michigan studio alone features five blackjack tables (including one VIP table), roulette, and baccarat, all streamed in high definition via Evolution Gaming’s advanced technology.

The strategic brilliance lies in jurisdictional dominance. By establishing studios in states like Michigan—a market with robust online gaming demand but limited high-end offerings—Caesars is capitalizing on its brand equity. Players in these regions are not just betting; they’re engaging with a trusted name synonymous with luxury, a moat no pure-play online operator can replicate.

The Evolution Partnership: Tech as a Competitive Weapon

Caesars’ collaboration with Evolution Gaming, a global leader in live dealer solutions, is pivotal. Evolution’s technology ensures seamless streaming, real-time interaction, and proprietary software that mimics the tactile feel of a physical casino. For instance, the VIP blackjack tables in Michigan use AI-driven cameras to track player bets and dealer interactions, creating a 1-to-1 experience previously confined to land-based venues.

This tech integration isn’t just about user experience—it’s about monetization. High rollers, traditionally a land-based demographic, now have a reason to stay engaged online. Meanwhile, Evolution’s operational expertise has already delivered tangible benefits: the New Jersey studio alone created 200 jobs, a testament to the economic multiplier effect of these investments.

Loyalty Integration: Bridging Online and Offline Worlds

Caesars Rewards, the company’s loyalty program, is the glue holding its digital and physical ecosystems together. Online players in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey can now earn rewards redeemable at over 50 physical Caesars properties, including hotels, restaurants, and spas. This integration creates a virtuous cycle: online engagement drives foot traffic to casinos, while physical customers are incentivized to try digital platforms.

The data speaks to success: Caesars’ Digital segment reported a 53% year-over-year surge in iGaming revenue in Q1 2025, with Adjusted EBITDA jumping from $5 million to $43 million. This margin expansion—driven by lower reinvestment costs and higher hold percentages—suggests the business is finally scaling efficiently.

ESG and Responsible Gaming: A Necessary Foundation

Skepticism around online gambling’s social impact remains a regulatory and reputational hurdle. Caesars has preemptively addressed this with RG Check accreditation in Ontario (2024) and a National Council on Problem Gambling award for its corporate social responsibility efforts. Its strict 21+ policy and access to counseling resources ensure it adheres to the highest standards, a critical differentiator in markets where scrutiny is intensifying.

Financials: Margin Improvements and Analyst Optimism

The Michigan launch and broader digital expansion are underpinning Caesars’ margin turnaround. While total debt remains elevated at $12.3 billion, the company’s free cash flow (FCF) is improving. CFO Bret Yunker highlighted “significant FCF growth in 2025” due to lower capex and interest costs, enabling debt reduction and share buybacks. In April .

Analysts are taking notice. Though StockStory labeled CZR “Underperform” due to debt concerns, consensus estimates project a 12-month price target of $38.80, up from $28.36 post-earnings. Bullish calls from JP Morgan ($47 target) and CFRA’s “Strong Buy” ($39 target) reflect optimism about the digital moat’s scalability.

Risks and Considerations

• Debt Overhang: Caesars’ leverage ratio (6.19x) remains a liability, though FCF improvements are a mitigant.
• Regulatory Hurdles: State-by-state licensing and ESG compliance demands could slow expansion.
• Competition: Rivals like MGM Resorts and DraftKings are also investing in live dealer tech, though Caesars’ brand power offers a defensible edge.

Investment Thesis: Capitalize on the Underappreciated Digital Moat

Caesars’ live dealer trilogy is more than a tech play—it’s a reinvention of its core business model. The Michigan launch exemplifies how the company is leveraging its legacy to dominate emerging markets, while its ESG and loyalty strategies reduce reputational risk. With Digital EBITDA up 860% year-over-year and FCF turning positive, the stock trades at 1.6x forward EV/EBITDA, well below its historical average.

Actionable Takeaway: Investors should consider a gradual accumulation of CZR at current levels. The stock’s 7.09% drop in average price targets since early 2025 reflects overdone pessimism about debt. As FCF improves and digital margins scale, a re-rating to 2.5x EV/EBITDA could unlock 40% upside.

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Historical data shows that CZR has a strong track record around earnings calls, with a 75% win rate over three days and 60% over ten days post-announcements since 2022. The maximum return during this period reached 1.73% on the tenth day, further bolstering the case for short-term momentum following key disclosures.

Final Note: A Legacy Brand Reborn

In an industry where digital disruption often spells obsolescence, Caesars is proving that brand equity can be a rocket fuel for innovation. The Michigan studio isn’t just a casino—it’s a bridge between the glitter of Las Vegas and the screens of tomorrow. For investors, this is a rare chance to back a proven leader in a sector primed for growth.

Disclosure: The author holds no position in CZR at the time of writing. Research and analysis are based on publicly available data. Always conduct your own due diligence before making investment decisions.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced the return of Mastercard as an official event supplier for the 2025 Esports World Cup, the world’s largest esports event, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24. The renewed partnership underscores Mastercard’s continued commitment to elevating digital experiences, championing youth engagement, and supporting the Kingdom’s rapidly growing gaming ecosystem.    

Through the collaboration with the Esports World Cup, Mastercard will introduce a range of immersive on-ground activations and seamless payment solutions designed to enhance the overall fan journey. This will include creating a bespoke version of the Mastercard Gamer Academy, where Mastercard, in collaboration with G2 Esports and Esports World Cup, designed a one-of-a-kind experience that will provide 10 successful applicants with the opportunity to be mentored by professionals on how they could pursue a career in esports. Further, fans can collect Priceless Points by interacting with the games and activities available at the Mastercard booth for the chance to win ultimate gaming gear that will be rewarded to the top scoring players. Further, there will be live appearances by G2 Esports players to be hosted as fireside chats to talk about areas like pro esports. The brand’s presence will emphasize the intersection of technology, gaming, and culture, anchored by initiatives that highlight and support local Saudi talent.

“Mastercard’s return as a partner reflects the Esports World Cup’s evolution from a tournament into a global cultural platform,” said Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “Together, we’re creating impactful experiences that go beyond gameplay, uniting youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and immersive fan engagement. Mastercard’s focus on Priceless experiences and innovation makes them an ideal partner to help us inspire the next generation of gamers and connect with fans in meaningful and memorable ways.”

Saud Swar, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant, Mastercard added, “We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation as we continue to unlock the potential of gaming in the Kingdom. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, Mastercard is committed to connecting people to their passions, driving innovation, and inspiring the next generation. Our priceless experiences help empower youth, promote digital inclusion, and celebrate Saudi Arabia’s vibrant esports culture.”

This partnership builds on Mastercard’s long-standing global support for the gaming and esports industry, including its strategic sponsorship of Riot Games’ League of Legends and VALORANT. It reinforces Mastercard’s leadership in digital payments and its role in shaping future-facing experiences through youth engagement and innovation.

The 2025 Esports World Cup will host 25 tournaments across 24 game titles, bringing together over 2,000 elite players and 200 Clubs from more than 100 countries. With a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million, the event will offer fans a comprehensive entertainment experience, from high-stakes competition and live music to anime cafés, retro arcades, cosplay showcases, and more, cementing Riyadh’s position as a global esports and entertainment hub.

To learn more about EWC, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. www.mastercard.com

About The Esports World Cup

The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world’s top esports clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. esportsworldcup.com

Esports World Cup media contact:

Anna Rozwandowicz

Head of PR

a.rozwandowicz@worldcupfoundation.org

Esports World Cup media contact:

press@worldcupfoundation.org

Mastercard media contact:

Sami Alshorafa

Communications Director – West Arabia

Sami.Alshorafa@mastercard.com

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Hawaii public schools face deepening uncertainty as President Donald Trump’s administration withholds $33.29 million in congressionally appropriated education funds for the upcoming academic year, a move advocates and lawmakers warn could jeopardize after-school programs, teacher training and essential support services for thousands of the state’s most vulnerable students.

The funding pause is part of a broader Trump administration freeze on almost $7 billion in education programs nationwide ahead of the new school year.

The delay affects funding under Title I-Title IV and other programs already signed into law by Congress that was expected by states July 1.

The state Department of Education confirmed with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser it has not yet received allocations for six key programs: Title II-A for teacher training; Title III for English learners; Title IV-A for student support; and Title IV-B for after-school programs, the Migrant Education Program and adult education and literacy.

U.S. Rep. Ed Case described the freeze as a clear violation of federal law, characterizing the U.S. DOE’s action to withhold already appropriated critical education funding as an “illegal impoundment” that requires a response through congressional oversight and legal measures.

Case said the Trump administration is illegally withholding over $33 million in federally approved K–12 and adult education funding for Hawaii for the current fiscal year, which includes:

• $3.5 million for migrant education (Title I-C).

• $10.8 million for teacher professional development (Title II-A).

• $3.3 million for English learners (Title III-A).

• $6.6 million for student support and enrichment (Title IV-A).

• $6.5 million for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B) .

• $2.4 million for adult education and family literacy.

“Pacific Islander, immigrant and multilingual students heavily depend on Title III and after-school programs to address their specific needs in public education. A disruption in longstanding and expected services directly affects their opportunity to succeed and widens achievement gaps we’ve been working hard to close,” Case said.

The funding freezes result in fewer after-school opportunities, interruptions in summer learning and diminished language-access services, which particularly affect multilingual families. In a diverse state like Hawaii, Case said, the cuts disproportionately affect the students who rely most heavily on such support.

Case said the issue is not just procedural; he emphasized that presidents cannot withhold funds already appropriated by Congress without approval, and that the current administration’s actions represent a broader effort to undermine federal agencies and sideline Congress, in violation of the Constitution.

In a statement, the state DOE said it is working with Hawaii’s congressional delegation to advocate for a prompt release of the money and will strive to avoid servi­ce disruptions by reprioritizing resources if funds are not released by Sept. 30.

“This is about real programs that support real people: our educators, our families and our kids,” Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI) told the Star-Advertiser.

“I grew up as part of a generation where being a latchkey kid was a really common thing, which is why then-Lt. Gov. Ben Cayetano started up the A+ plus program. Essentially, what we’re doing is, we’re going to be relegating our kids back to that time. If we cut these fundings, we’re going to have yet another generation of latchkey kids. That is something — I thought, from Hawaii’s perspective — we said we were never going to go back to.”

Tokuda described the freeze as part of a broader political agenda that aligns with the Trump-aligned Project 2025 plan, which aims to dismantle large parts of the federal government, including the Department of Education.

The nonprofit After-­School All-Stars Hawaii said roughly 85% of its funding comes from the 21st CCLC program.

“We serve 3,000 kids every year … all our kids are socioeconomically disadvantaged, we only serve Title I schools,” President and CEO Paula Fitzell said. “We have a high number of immigrants, a high number of English language learners, 14% of our kids are kids with disabilities.”

She explained that their program identifies and serves the highest-need students based on data provided by schools. Since the program is entirely free, it’s particularly vulnerable to disruptions in funding. Delays can have immediate ripple effects — preventing parents from working, forcing older siblings to take on caregiving roles and leaving children without a safe, structured environment after school.

Fitzell emphasized that the programs play a critical role beyond academics, supporting students’ long-term safety and wellbeing. She described the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. as “danger hours,” when many middle and high school students could be left unsupervised. During this time, they’re more likely to engage in risky behavior — a normal part of adolescence, but one that can have serious consequences without proper guidance and structure.

The YMCA of Honolulu, which operates 21st CCLC programs at five Oahu schools, said while no cancellations have occurred yet, the uncertainty is already affecting planning and families.

According to Jen Townsend, the Y’s vice president of youth development, over 6,800 students statewide rely on 21st CCLC programs each year, which operate at more than 50 public school sites.

Specifically, the YMCA runs 21st CCLC programs at Kauluwela Elementary, Pauoa Elementary, Kawanakoa Middle, McKinley High and Dole Middle schools, serving at least 560 students annually, primarily from Title I public schools in low-income communities. The programs provide after-­school academic support, STEM and arts enrichment, physical activity, youth leadership development and resources to help families become active partners in their child’s education through literacy and educational support.

Offered during the school year and summer months, the programs support students across elementary, middle and high school levels.

If federal funding is frozen, Townsend said the vital 21st CCLC programs would be at risk. However, at this time, the YMCA has not received official notification from the state 21st CCLC team that the 2025–26 school year funding has been frozen or impounded, and they remain hopeful that the funds will continue to be available.

“This isn’t just a budget issue, it’s a youth issue,” President &CEO of the YMCA of Honolulu Greg Waibel said. “These programs are offered year-round for elementary, middle school and high school students in underserved communities. They also provide nutritious snacks during the school year, as well as breakfast and lunch during the summer, offering stability, enrichment and support that every child, teenager and family deserves. Cutting this funding would roll back years of academic and social progress for Hawaii’s youth.”

07/14/2025 – 04:15 PM

SEOUL, South Korea, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DoubleDown Interactive Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: DDI) (“DoubleDown” or the “Company”), a leading gaming company delivering exceptional player experiences across multiple genres, announced today that it completed the previously announced acquisition of WHOW Games GmbH, a social casino developer headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, from Azerion for €55 million (approximately $64.3 million⁽¹⁾). An additional earn-out payment of up to €10 million, payable to Azerion at €5 million annually, is contingent upon WHOW Games meeting certain performance targets during each of the first and second year following the closing date.

Note: (1) Based on an exchange rate of €1.00=$1.169 as of July 11, 2025

About DoubleDown Interactive

DoubleDown Interactive Co., Ltd. is a leading developer and publisher of digital games on mobile and web-based platforms. We are the creators of multi-format interactive entertainment experiences for casual players, bringing authentic Vegas entertainment to players around the world through an online social casino experience. The Company’s flagship social casino title, DoubleDown Casino, has been a fan-favorite game on leading social and mobile platforms for years, entertaining millions of players worldwide with a lineup of classic and modern games. The Company’s subsidiary, SuprNation, also operates three real-money iGaming sites in Western Europe.

About WHOW Games

WHOW Games, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is a premier developer and operator of social casino games centered on the European market. Founded in 2014, WHOW Games specializes in both proprietary and branded social casino experiences. The company’s flagship proprietary brand, MyJackpot, has attracted a significant and loyal user base in Germany, while its strategic partnerships with internationally renowned brick-and-mortar casino brands have resulted in successful external brands like Merkur24.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements” about future events and expectations for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of industry trends, our future financial and operating performance, and our growth plans, taking into account the information currently available to us. These statements are not statements of historical fact. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Words such as “anticipates,” believes,” “continues,” “estimates,” “expects,” “goal,” “objectives,” “intends,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plans,” potential,” “near-term,” long-term,” “projections,” “assumptions,” “projects,” “guidance,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “target,” “trends,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We qualify any forward-looking statements entirely by these cautionary factors, which include, but are not limited to, WHOW Games’ integration and the success of its current and future games as part of our Company. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Company Contact:
Joe Sigrist
ir@doubledown.com
+1 (206) 773-2266
Chief Financial Officer
https://www.doubledowninteractive.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Joseph Jaffoni
JCIR
+1 (212) 835-8500
DDI@jcir.com

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSHSAACovered.com) – The Kansas State High School Activities Association has partnered with the esports platform PlayVS for the inaugural year of the KSHSAA Esports season.

At the April board of directors meeting KSHSAA membership voted to sanction an Esports state championship should 24 schools sign up for the activity. A survey sent out in June indicated over 80 schools will have interest in participating this school year.

For the 2025-26 season KSHSAA and PlayVS will offer the following game titles:
Rocket League, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. (If interest is high in Madden and/or Valorant, KSHSAA and PlayVS will consider adding the game title to the selection).

The exact number of classifications/championships will be determined once sign up is complete.

Mark your calendars with these important dates (high school):
Registration through PlayVS: Open NOW until November 30. (KSHSAA Schools will also fill out the participation on the Winter Participation Form through KSHSAA)
Preseason – 2 Weeks: Week’s of November 17 (practice begins) and November 24.
Regular season – 6 Weeks: Week’s of December 1 through January 19.
Playoffs: January 26-27
KSHSAAA Esports State Championship (In-person): January 30 and/or 31 (two-days if needed).

PlayVS representatives will be in touch with schools that sign up with information such as:
–Coaching in-service. Kansas can schedule meetings with this link.
-How to start your program guide.
-Free Nintendo Switch (first 100 that sign up).
-Technical advice.
-Funding opportunities
-STEM opportunities

The KSHSAA and PlayVS will be hosting multiple webinars between now and the beginning of the season, details will be shared when they are available.

Get to know PlayVS….a platform that facilitates high school and middle school esports programs, offering opportunities for students to compete in popular video games.