Shares of Rush Street Interactive, Inc. (RSI) surged 8.82% in pre-market trading on Thursday, following a bullish analyst report. The online gaming company's stock received a vote of confidence from Jefferies, as analyst David Katz reiterated a Buy rating on RSI with a price target of $17.00.

The positive analyst sentiment comes at a time when the online gaming and sports betting industry continues to expand in the United States. Rush Street Interactive, known for its BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse brands, has been actively growing its presence in various states as more jurisdictions legalize online gambling.

While specific reasons for the analyst's optimism were not detailed in the available news, it's likely that Jefferies sees potential in RSI's market position and growth prospects. The $17 price target suggests significant upside potential from the stock's previous closing price, which could be driving investor enthusiasm in the pre-market session.

Investors should note that analyst ratings and pre-market movements don't always translate to sustained gains during regular trading hours. However, this early jump indicates positive sentiment surrounding Rush Street Interactive as the market prepares to open for Thursday's session.