HSBC Advises Investing in FanDuel Parent Company's Stock During Market Dip
HSBC's Upgrade: HSBC upgraded Flutter Entertainment from hold to buy, despite lowering the price target from $265 to $228, indicating an 18% upside potential from the recent stock price.
Concerns and Risks: Analyst Joe Thomas noted that while Flutter's third-quarter results were disappointing and the company lost its Nevada license, these risks are seen as transitory and already reflected in the stock's valuation.
Market Outlook: Thomas expressed concerns about the slowing U.S. sports betting market but highlighted potential benefits from new state liberalizations, suggesting that Flutter's shares appear undervalued at current price-to-earnings ratios.
Analyst Sentiment: The majority of analysts remain optimistic about Flutter, with 22 out of 25 rating it a buy or strong buy, contributing to a slight increase in U.S.-listed shares following the upgrade.
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CFTC Announces New Rules for Prediction Markets
- Major Policy Shift: CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig announced the drafting of 'clear rules' and the withdrawal of proposals prohibiting sports and political contracts, aiming to eliminate market uncertainty and support lawful innovation.
- Clarification of Rules: Selig noted that the existing framework has proven difficult to apply, and the CFTC will establish 'clear standards' to improve the management of event contracts, ensuring the legal rights of market participants.
- Legal Scrutiny Context: Amid increased legal scrutiny from state regulators on prediction markets, Coinbase has filed lawsuits against Michigan, Illinois, and Connecticut, seeking to confirm the CFTC as the sole regulator of these markets.
- Market Reaction Mixed: Despite the potential positive impact of the CFTC's new rules, stocks of sports-related companies like Genius Sports did not rally, while shares of DraftKings and Flutter Entertainment showed mixed signals, indicating cautious market sentiment.

Competition Between Sports Betting and Prediction Markets
- Market Dynamics: Roundhill Investments CEO Dave Mazza highlights that sports betting companies like DraftKings and Flutter are launching prediction-style products to adapt to market changes, indicating industry evolution rather than displacement.
- Regulatory Impact: The regulation of prediction markets has become a key battleground, with some states attempting to restrict Kalshi and Polymarket's operations while legal online sportsbooks continue to operate, showcasing market complexity.
- Profitability Focus: Mazza notes that 2026 is expected to be a consolidation year, with operators focusing on profitability and states interested in tax revenue, likely leading to more partnership reshuffling and selective M&A.
- Market Outlook: Despite DraftKings and Flutter stocks dropping 26% and 34% over the past 52 weeks, respectively, Mazza believes that innovative disruption indicates the long-term potential of the sports betting and gambling markets, with future regulation being a key factor.









