Caesars Entertainment stock popped 82 percent on the first day of its public offering, trading at $16.39 a shareThe Las Vegas company sold only 1.8 million shares, at a price of $9 eachCaesars, known for its casinos, is also betting on new online initiatives, such as social and real-money gaming.

The IPO will provide an exit for some of its investors, who paid $28 billion to take it private four months agoBecause of its debt balance of $22 billion, some analysts view the deal as unattractive.