Flutter Entertainment PLC (FLUT) experienced a notable decline in its share price on the morning of 11 February 2026, falling 3.95 % to close at $144.28. The drop came amid broader volatility in the gambling sector, yet analysts and institutional investors have taken divergent views on the company’s long‑term prospects.
Market Reaction
The overnight sell‑off that pushed Flutter’s equity lower was mirrored by a broader market uptick in the FTSE 100, which finished the day 1.22 % higher at 10 480.66 points. Despite the index’s positive trajectory, individual gambling names like Flutter suffered from a perceived sector‑wide wobble, reflected in the negative 97.88‑fold price‑to‑earnings ratio that underscores investor skepticism about the company’s profitability.
Analyst Perspective
Canaccord Global Research, in a statement issued at 16:57 UTC, concluded that the recent “selloff in gambling stocks is over‑done.” The brokerage maintained a Buy recommendation on Flutter, citing the firm’s diversified brand portfolio and its leading position in the European mobile and online betting market. Canaccord’s stance signals confidence that Flutter’s intrinsic value has not yet been fully absorbed by the market’s short‑term reaction.
Shareholder Momentum
Investor sentiment is further buoyed by the continued stake accumulation of billionaire Kenneth Dart. As of 13 February 2026, Dart’s holdings in Flutter rose to 18.64 %, an increase from 15 % in January. The incremental stake, acquired through financial instruments, indicates Dart’s conviction in Flutter’s long‑term value creation, even as the company navigates a challenging operating environment.
Competitive Landscape
The gambling industry is facing a growing threat from prediction‑market platforms. Kalshi Inc. recorded over $1 billion in trades on the Super Bowl LX that Sunday, a record that highlights the accelerating shift toward alternative betting venues. Such platforms erode traditional wagering margins and intensify price competition, pressuring companies like Flutter to innovate or diversify.
Bottom Line
While Flutter’s share price dipped on 11 February, the firm’s fundamentals—its broad brand footprint, substantial market capitalization of $26.9 billion, and strong institutional backing—suggest resilience. Analysts at Canaccord remain bullish, and the continued accumulation by Kenneth Dart points to sustained confidence in Flutter’s capacity to navigate an increasingly competitive betting landscape. The sector’s volatility, however, remains a key risk factor, especially as prediction markets gain traction and regulatory scrutiny intensifies.
