September 24, 2021
It wasn’t too long ago that Disney fought sports betting expansion in Florida with millions of dollars in negative ad campaigns. However, now that they have clearly lost that battle, the company is considering an “aggressive” approach to gambling via ESPN.
Disney Corporation purchased ESPN back in 1996, back when no one would have ever thought legal and regulated betting on sports would have been possible. But what a difference 20 years can make!
Now their CEO, Bob Chapek, has admitted the company is pushing forward in the midst of American sports betting expansion. The goal is to partner with gambling operators via ESPN in the belief that sports betting will give Disney a way to appeal to a younger audience.
Additionally, the Disney about face could mean huge profits, which is probably the more important reason to completely reverse course. ESPN has supposedly been in discussion with potential partners sports betting operators about deals that could generate $3 billio
Chapek continued, “Let’s just say that our fans are really interested in sports betting. Let’s say that our partners – with the leagues– are interested in sports betting… so we’re interested in sports betting.” So, in conclusion, the love of money trumps the power of morals… at least for Disney.
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