That’s the word, at least, with the release of major gaming stock indexes, reports the Review-Journal. That’s a 23 percent jump for gamers compared to only 7 percent for the S&P 500.

All that success comes from a couple of things, Applied Analysis’ Brian Gordon tells the paper. The new strength in the Asian market and the rise of the mixed-use development piqued investors’ interest, he says. Recent record gaming revenue, the continued strength of Las Vegas as a gaming destination and likely record earnings reports scheduled for the next few weeks also revived Wall Street interest in the gaming sector and “put upward pressure on pricing,” he said.

In related news, the paper also reports that Station Casinos will not change its game plan and try to compete on the Strip. It will instead rely on the valley’s growth and keep planting those locals palaces around town.

That means construction plans for the company-owned 67 acres near the Strip would be shelved in favor of building casinos in North Las Vegas, along the expanding Interstate 215 corridor and in Reno, Station Casinos executives said during an earnings announcement.

And, by the way, the company announced 2005 income of $161 million, a 59 percent leap over last year.