Disney getting into gambling

[OKW Lover]

One of the things Bob C talked about on the earnings call last week was that they are seriously looking into getting into sports betting. Major change for Disney who has always been against gambling. Apparently Bob sees synergies with ESPN.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

One of the things Bob C talked about on the earnings call last week was that they are seriously looking into getting into sports betting. Major change for Disney who has always been against gambling. Apparently Bob sees synergies with ESPN.

Yes, that is weird, since they're always been so against having casinos on their ships.

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

I appreciated Bob Iger, but man I didn't appreciate him enough.

He was worth whatever Disney was paying him in the end.

 

[tcufrog]

That feels like a conflict of interest. I have a bad feeling about this synergy. What could possibly go wrong?

 

[CBMom01]

This might be what kills my relationship with Disney.

 

[CBMom01]

Well, that and Chapek boasting about all the new positive feedback they’re getting about the parks experience

 

[Jrb1979]

Welcome to the new and improved Disney. There is big bucks to be made in sports betting. ESPN already puts money lines for each game of the night. Imagine having a sports book at the wide world of sports at Disney

 

[cedricandsophie]

It makes sense to me. And putting a casino on a ship would make DcL more interesting for a new line of customers especially those from Asia. I happen to like playing cards so I would definitely play blackjack etc. and I love a good sports book. I play on other cruise ships. DCL could easily design a casino that doesn’t give easy access to kids And is out of the way. It’s another revenue source. Why not? I doubt if Families who like to cruise on Disney would stop just because there is a casino. If you like cruising there’s a casino on every other line.

 

[OKW Lover]

That feels like a conflict of interest. I have a bad feeling about this synergy. What could possibly go wrong?

How would this be a conflict of interest?

 

[Lee Matthews]

Our only hope is that Chapek is booted

 

[FCDub]

I guess I don’t see the issue. This sounds like more pearl clutching from people who SURELY have no axe to grind with the CEO.

This isn’t the 1960s anymore. Sports betting is becoming part of modern America more and more every year.

 

[tcufrog]

They have a major sports station that airs events and provides commentary. They could skew the betting through their reporting.

 

[vincep]

/

 

[GreatLakes]

I didn't listen to the discussion but I would doubt "Disney" would get into gambling which is why I am pretty sure it won't be making it onto a ship. ESPN may be getting into gambling and it makes sense from their perspective. Disney created Touchstone in the past to separate more mature movies from the Disney name and I think we will see the same here. Disney, the parent company, may be involved not not Disney the brand.

 

[hhisc16]

Is this why Chapek discussed making ESPN its own brand/company?

 

[vincep]

Aren't they now cleaning up Touchstone films as they go on Disney+?

 

[V.B.]

Not surprising. It comes down to money, whatever lines their pockets. Chapek's job is to keep Disney making money. As much as the changes/cutbacks are making Disney fans sad, they look at how much money they are making. Cutting back on how many parades, shorter park hours, raising prices, etc lines their pockets. By adding casinos, they can rake in a LOT more money (especially on a Cruise, that would rake in a lot).

 

[FCDub]

I didn't listen to the discussion but I would doubt "Disney" would get into gambling which is why I am pretty sure it won't be making it onto a ship. ESPN may be getting into gambling and it makes sense from their perspective. Disney created Touchstone in the past to separate more mature movies from the Disney name and I think we will see the same here. Disney, the parent company, may be involved not not Disney the brand.

Yes. This will not be a Mickey Mouse casino. People are overreacting as usual.

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

One of the things Bob C talked about on the earnings call last week was that they are seriously looking into getting into sports betting. Major change for Disney who has always been against gambling. Apparently Bob sees synergies with ESPN.

Old enough to remember when the idea of adult beverages anywhere in Disney Parks would never have been considered. I've learned, sadly, that following the money is priority #1, regardless of the way it changes Walt's original intent of the experience. (Now, even Las Vegas caters to families & horse-racing tracks offer "Family Fun Days.")
NOTHING Chapek does will surprise me & there will be no going back once something is profitable.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

They have a major sports station that airs events and provides commentary. They could skew the betting through their reporting.

Since a significant number of "other" stations do the same thing, not sure I see any connection or conflict.