Following news of the UK referendum on its European Union membership – and the electorate’s decision to withdraw – the world’s gaming stocks took a tumble.
Rank fell 12.22 per cent, William Hill 9.83 per cent, Ladbrokes 7.88 per cent and Playtech six per cent.
US casino stocks also suffered in pre-market trading with Las Vegas Sands falling six per cent, MGM Resorts 3.55 per cent and Wynn 3.18 per cent.
Greek gaming stocks fell more, perhaps because it is generally felt that Greece is more vulnerable if the EU falls apart, with Intralot falling 14.37 per cent and OPAP 10 per cent.
Gaming stocks in other countries did not get off without being hit as well. Crown in Australia fell 3.09 per cent, Melco Crown by 4.61 per cent and SJM by 2.38 per cent. Meanwhile, Genting in Malaysia, which has casinos in both the UK and in Europe fell 3.33 per cent and Genting Singapore dropped 3.45 per cent.
The one country with stocks which did not suffer was Sweden, where NetEnt, the online games provider, actually rose 2.95 per cent and Cherry showed little change.
