More interestingly, both of these brands are commonly associated with their land-based casino operations and resorts, two areas that were severely impacted by travel sanctions and restrictions. Even without the foot traffic, the pair managed to defy the odds and grow at a time where their competitors touting a more 'modernized' online approach failed to do so. Penn National is by no means new to the space, but it was their landmark partnership with Barstool Sports that put them on the radar for many young investors looking to enter the space. Penn National's share price surge can be credited to numerous factors, but M&A and Covid-induced trends combined to create a short-term best-case scenario for the brand. Thanks to Covid, most of the country had been restricted to their homes with most daily activities and responsibilities all put on hold. College students and young professionals now found themselves with time and money, thanks to the steady supply of government stimulus checks, in their hands.