Perhaps it’s because trading stocks can often mirror the thrill of winning big at the blackjack tables, or maybe it’s because Las Vegas conjures images of the world’s most flashy brands and businessmen. Regardless of the reason, it’s clear that gambling stocks are always among the most popular on Wall Street.

Luckily for investors, now is also a great time to be buying gambling stocks, as continued domestic strength, a great recovery in Macau, and overall international interest in gaming have led to rising share prices. In fact, according to our Zacks Industry Rank data, the overall gaming industry has gained more than 28.8% year-to-date, outpacing the S&P 500’s respectable 15.6% gain.

With casino stocks this hot right now, investors are not going to want to miss out. Luckily, we can use Zacks’ proven stock-picking methods to find solid stocks in any industry. Check out these casino stocks today:

1.       Wynn Resorts (WYNN)

Led by the legendary Steve Wynn, this iconic gaming brand is looking strong as we head into Q3 earnings season. This stock is currently a Zacks Rank #2 (Strong Buy) and sports an Earnings ESP of 2.7%, which indicates that analyst sentiment has strengthened and should make us feel more confident about an earnings beat.

Wynn is also an exciting growth pick, as our current consensus estimates are calling for EPS growth of 75.2% and revenue growth of 40.4%. In addition, the company is generating cash flow growth of 11.9%, which outpaces its industry average. The stock also has an “A” grade for Momentum and should carry that strength into its report date on November 1.

2.       Monarch Casino & Resort (MCRI)

Monarch Casino & Resort operates the Atlantis Casino Resort in Reno, Nevada, as well as the Monarch Black Hawk Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado. MCRI is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company is projected to post modest growth figures this year, with current consensus estimates calling for EPS growth of 7.4% and revenue growth of 5.9%

Nevertheless, Monarch’s small property portfolio allows it to operate more efficiently than others in the casino industry. For example, the company’s historical cash flow growth of 11.8% and net margin of 11.8% significantly outpace the industry averages. Also, the company’s property in Reno is considered a hidden Tesla (TSLA) play, as the resort sits near the carmaker’s new gigafactory and should benefit from economic growth in the area.

3.       Penn National Gaming (PENN)

Penn National Gaming is an operator of a number of casino and gambling properties in North America, specifically located in smaller markets and non-Vegas gambling hotspots. The stock is currently a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and sports an “A” grade for Value in our Style Scores system. The company is generating cash flow of $4.66 per share, outpacing the industry’s $1.04 average, and its P/S ratio of 0.70 also offers a discount to the industry average.

Year-over-year EPS comparisons will be tough this quarter, but Penn has proven its ability to consistently grow its revenue figures and maintain share price momentum. The stock is up over 70% this year and could surge higher on the back of a strong report on October 26.

Want more stock market analysis from this author? Make sure to follow @Ryan_McQueeney on Twitter!

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Wynn Resorts, Limited (WYNN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (MCRI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Penn National Gaming, Inc. (PENN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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