Listening to the call, it looks like many people missed the biggest statement Bob made. He is clearly in favor of Disney entering the betting market place. This will likely be in partnership with another company but I expect a WDW location, probably Disney Springs, to get a huge sports bar and betting location. For anyone who has been to AC or Vegas and seen the sports betting area of casinos, you can already see the NBA experiece converted to sports betting and watching.
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Gambling, Chapek announced a change in Disney's policy.
- Thread starter seascape
- Start date
If thats a way for then to make more cash and not effect the park experience go right ahead. We already have alcohol in MK and we all lived. The days of Disney beiing family centered are done. If you look at the changing demographics and low birth rate they do need to add more adult entertainment.
CaptainAmerica
Premium Member
Absolutely not. He made it very clear that he was happy to have gambling associated with the ESPN brand, but that gambling would not be associated with the Disney brand.
ESPN will be involved in the sports betting ecosystem, but they're not going to literally be running a sports book at Walt Disney World.
ESPN is clearly in the Disney Bundle and will be. I also believe Disney will start expanding ESPN+ internationally, add more international sports but not only for the US but worldwide. In my opinion that is why they are going after the Premier League. Sports betting and live sports broadcasting is needed 24 hours a day and since you can only signup in one state and bet in that state, anyone on vacation needs a location to bet. I never expect betting in one of the themeparks but Disney Springs is possible and ESPN Zones could make a comeback or just have a third party name but Disney Springs and or Flamingo Crossing make a perfect location for this
CaptainAmerica
Premium Member
Yes. I absolutely guarantee that no subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company will ever act as a bookie.
networkpro
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- Yes
But I can see them stop investing in the Florida anti-gambling lobby.
CaptainAmerica
Premium Member
Could be. I could also see them making the case that casino gaming and sports betting are fundamentally different.
You are probably correct, but I also thought Disney would never charge for resort parking or Fastpass so....
I never said Disney would run the sports book, only that they would partner with one. ESPN is the king of sports broadcasting in the US and without partnering with one or more sports books they will lose that. Live sports betting needs live sports broadcasting. Plus, as for WDW, if Disney doesnt add a sports betting location they will fall behind Universal who will add it. Besides, college students love sports betting and I am sure the CP members would love it and take advantage of it. Further, I wouldn't object to Disney working with the Seminole Indians and allow them to build a casino of the land they own on the otherside of Flamingo Crossing. I don't understand why some people are so opposed to gambling.
CaptainAmerica
Premium Member
It's not going to happen. This foray into sports betting has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the Parks & Resorts business. None whatsoever.
champdisney
Well-Known Member
Gambling brings in an entirely different crowd and not the kind you want in or near WDW.
It could be gambling could be in the sights to expand ESPN and its value. Everything is for sale including ESPN if there is a willing buyer to meet Disney's price if Disney wanted to sell ESPN. When Comcast tried to do a hostile bid of TWDC the Disney Board said no thanks because the offer to buy was too low.
Heppenheimer
Well-Known Member
Inside Chapek's brain right now: "Hmmm, people seem to be willing to pay lots of money for this cocaine and fentanyl stuff..."
That's how the former ESPN president John Skipper lost his job. His dealer threatened to expose him then Iger flew to CT to force Skipper to resign which he did.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
Hate to break it to you, that "crowd" as you call it is already at WDW and every other Disney Park around the world. Because its the average person who gambles who is also going to WDW and every other Disney Park.
This isn't the movies where the casino is owned by the Mob. The Gambino family is not going to come break Mickey's legs because of some gambling debt. So this image of crime ridden gambling establishments that you seem to have in your mind is just that, in your mind.
In fact Disney has benefited from many forms of gambling already for many years, as they receive tax credits and such that state lotteries and other forms of gambling helped pay for.
Ricky Spanish
Well-Known Member
I gamble and also go to Disney.
I see what you mean.
Some of those parents at Disney are horrible.
In regards to gambling when Disney bought the rights for Star Wars and Marvel, they made sure that any Star Wars and Marvel slot machines in all casinos disappeared to not associate Disney directly with the one arm bandits.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
Except Disney isn't the first company to not renew licensing deals with gaming companies, Tolkien's estate sued Warner for its licensing deal on LOTR slot machines. So just because this is "Disney" doesn't mean it won't ever be involved in some capacity with gambling. Yes you aren't likely to see new slot machines with Disney IP on it, but that doesn't mean ESPN won't be involved in gambling in some way.
In fact right now in the ESPN app you get odds on various sporting events all powered by Caesars Sportsbook. So Disney is already partnered with gambling establishments as it is, which is a new deal by the way.