Average short interest among U.S. gaming operators rose 26 basis points to 4.35% of outstanding shares during the first half of January.

Caesars Entertainment Corp. posted the greatest jump in short interest relative to shares outstanding among SNL-covered gaming operators between Dec. 30, 2016, and Jan. 13.

The percentage of the company's shares held short relative to shares outstanding increased 108 basis points to 8.20% as of Jan. 13.

Century Casinos Inc. saw the steepest decline in short interest relative to shares outstanding among SNL-covered gaming operators between Dec. 30, 2016, and Jan. 13. The percentage of the company's shares held short relative to shares outstanding fell 11 basis points to 0.79% as of Jan. 13.

Eldorado Resorts Inc. topped the list of most shorted gaming operators during the period. The company saw short interest rise 88 basis points to 13.14% of shares outstanding.