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The gaming sector has demonstrated remarkable growth over the past few years, and its momentum has brought gaming stocks along for the ride.

The global gaming market was worth US$162.32 billion in 2020, according to ReportLinker, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5 percent to reach US$295.63 billion by 2026.

The rise of global smartphone sales, 5G and mobile infrastructure are major drivers of this upward trend in the gaming industry. Although console gaming will remain a bulwark of the gaming market, video game makers can’t ignore the revenue-generating power of mobile opportunities.

Here the Investing News Network has gathered the three top NASDAQ gaming stocks so far in 2021 by year-to-date share price performance. Data for each gaming stock was compiled using TradingView’s stock screener on October 13, 2021.

1. Inspired Entertainment (NASDAQ:INSE)

Year-to-date gain: 100.3 percent; current share price: US$13.38

First on this list of the top NASDAQ gaming stocks is Inspired Entertainment, which has a growing global portfolio of content, technology and hardware services for regulated gaming, betting, lottery, social and leisure operators across land-based and mobile channels.

The company has a diverse supply network, providing gaming systems with associated terminals and content for approximately 50,000 gaming machines located in betting shops, pubs, gaming halls and other route operations. It also sells virtual sports products through more than 32,000 retail venues and various online websites, and provides digital games for more than 170 websites. Aside from that, Inspired offers a variety of amusement entertainment solutions.

Inspired’s gaming products target a wide range of players and create new revenue opportunities for operators. Over the past few months, the company has been aggressively rolling out new online and mobile gaming products, including a Hallowe’en-themed game, a fruit-themed game and a classic joker-themed game. Its share price hit a year high of US$13.89 on October 12.

2. SharpLink Gaming (NASDAQ:SBET)

Year-to-date gain: 39.52 percent; current share price: US$4.32

SharpLink Gaming uses proprietary artificial intelligence-enabled behavioral modeling and tracking technologies to convert sports fans into sports bettors for licensed online sportsbook operators.

The tech company’s C4 Sports Betting Conversion Platform is designed to deliver the best sportsbook betting offers and user experience based on each specific fan’s favorite sports, teams and players.

SharpLink’s interactive sports games and mobile applications also help sports media companies develop strategies, products and solutions that drive deeper customer engagement. It has online sports betting partnerships with the Minnesota Vikings, NASCAR and NBC Sports. Shares of the company hit their highest point of the year so far on July 12, coming in at US$17.88.

3. Super League Gaming (NASDAQ:SLGG)

Year-to-date gain: 16.6 percent; current share price: US$3.30

Last on this list of the top NASDAQ gaming stocks is Super League Gaming, which offers a video gaming and esports entertainment platform for players in the US. The company also provides a content engine that allows gamers to create YouTube videos, Minehut servers or gameplay highlights on Framerate.

In March, Super League Gaming announced the acquisition of video game streaming company Mobcrush Streaming, increasing its revenue-generating opportunities. That same month, the company extended its partnership with Topgolf Entertainment Group; it will continue to broadcast a series of World Golf Tour competitive events. Its share price hit a year high of US$11.20 on March 19.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.