It wasnt exactly the sort of thing you expected to hear from a family-friendly, positive-values company like Disney.<\/p>\n
CEO Bob Chapek was asked at the D23 fan-service fiesta in Anaheim the other day about sports betting. After all, the company owns ESPN, the high-profile sports network.<\/p>\n
Were working very hard on that, Chapek answered.<\/p>\n
One can almost picture Mickey Mouses eyes going wide in astonishment.<\/p>\n
Not that its a bad business decision.<\/p>\n
Sports betting and online gambling are clearly gaining traction in the United States. A number of state and federal bills are aimed at facilitating a domestic sports-betting industry.<\/p>\n
One recent report found that the sports betting market will grow from about $77 billion last year to more than $167 billion by 2029.<\/p>\n
Chapek himself noted that sports betting is a frequent request from Disneys under-35 sports fans.<\/p>\n
Adding gambling functionality to the ESPN app, in other words, is a smart move.<\/p>\n
But is it the right one?<\/p>\n
Chapek told Deadlinethat theres so many dimensions of sports and were passionate about it, and we have a plan.<\/p>\n
One of those dimensions, however, is that gambling can be addictive and can ruin the lives of individuals and families.<\/p>\n
Not to be glib, but if a wholesome brand like Disney can embrace gambling in the name of entertainment, couldnt it make the same argument for Disney-branded alcohol or cigarettes?<\/p>\n
After all, these too are leisure products that many people enjoy and ask for.<\/p>\n
What about Disney weed? A Disney escort service?<\/p>\n
I know such suggestions sound ludicrous, but are they any more far-fetched than a Disney-run casino (which is essentially what a sports-betting app is).<\/p>\n
In the end, financial considerations will win out, and ESPN undoubtedly will be a leading player in online sports gambling.<\/p>\n
But make no mistake: Thats no spoonful of sugar.<\/p>\n
Its a bottle of trouble for anyone who gets hooked. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read more here: <\/p>\n
Laz: Disney-run gambling? What would Walt think? - KTLA Los Angeles<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It wasnt exactly the sort of thing you expected to hear from a family-friendly, positive-values company like Disney. CEO Bob Chapek was asked at the D23 fan-service fiesta in Anaheim the other day about sports betting. After all, the company owns ESPN, the high-profile sports network Continue reading