Disney CEO considers entering the gaming industry via ESPN
Published: November 19, 2025
The Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, has said his company needs to get into the online gambling industry more seriously. The enterprise has to capitalize on the opportunity now that the attitudes towards gaming are shifting.
It will look to bring revenue to ESPN without damaging its family-friendly orientation. Gaming would attract younger sports fans, though it is still largely unclear how the two companies will enter the market.
Chapek has stated this is an opportunity for Disney to enter the sports betting arena. Admittedly, there are certain concerns about the brand withdrawal if the company signs betting partnerships.
However, recent enterprise research has shown the new activity would not hurt the franchise. He has added Disney will strengthen its sports betting presence via its ESPN brand.
It also has the potential to collaborate with other operators in the field in a significant way. The audience seeing Disney and ESPN as separate brands will also help the transition into a new industry.
The CEO has noted the betting will fortify ESPN, as it could attract younger audiences. They like to play games when watching sports, so their experience would be complete. Since Disney has always followed the consumers’ wishes, it must consider wetting its feet in this field.
Some spheres haven’t brought huge earnings to Disney, but the sports market has been its brightest one. 90% of the most-watched programmes on Disney’s networks in 2020 were sports events, with ESPN+ increasing subscribers by 66%.
The sports market provides an excellent opportunity for growth, especially after Disney has signed a ten-year deal with the NFL. Nevertheless, ESPN hasn’t recorded advertising revenue growth in Q4, and sports gaming could help with that.
Both companies have already been connected to sports betting, with ESPN cutting a deal with giants like DraftKings and Caesars Entertainment.
However, although the issue has been considered, it is not elaborated on how Disney and ESPN would penetrate the industry. For now, it is certain the enterprises and the fans alike are interested in sports betting and online casinos.
About Sports Betting in North America
Sports betting is a booming business in North America. Canada has recently legitimized single-game sports betting, with the provinces regulating the activity by way of the new federal law. Bill C-218 has been active since August 2025.
Furthermore, sports betting is legal in about thirty US states, with more of them moving towards legalization. The USA is a highly prospective betting market that is expected to flourish in the near future.
Top online casinos in Canada
Ranked by the strength of the welcome package and by what the cashier actually supports for Canadian players.
Casino list checked and re-ranked:
-
1
BetumCasino and sportsbook9.7300% up to C$4,500+ 300 free spins48 game studios · PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa
Bonus details
Welcome package C$4,500 Free spins 300 Licence Anjouan ALSI-202603026-FI1 Payments
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Bank Transfer
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- USDT
Game studios
- Pragmatic Play
- Evolution Gaming
- NetEnt
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Nolimit City
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Relax Gaming
- Thunderkick
- Blueprint Gaming
- Playson
- BGaming
- Spinomenal
and 36 more studios
-
2
300% up to C$4,500+ 300 free spins129 game studios · Minimum deposit C$30 · Wagering 35x (40x on free spins) · Interac, Neosurf, crypto
Bonus details
Welcome package C$4,500 Free spins 300 Minimum deposit C$30 Wagering 35x (40x on free spins) Payments
- Interac
- Neosurf
- crypto
Game studios
- Pragmatic Play
- Evolution Gaming
- NetEnt
- Play'n GO
- Playtech
- Microgaming
- Games Global
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Nolimit City
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Relax Gaming
- Push Gaming
and 117 more studios
-
3
VipLuckLive dealer floor9.5100% up to C$3,000+ 300 free spins94 game studios · Minimum deposit C$20 · Wagering 35x · Interac, iDebit, Instadebit, MuchBetter
Bonus details
Welcome package C$3,000 Free spins 300 Minimum deposit C$20 Wagering 35x Payments
- Interac
- iDebit
- Instadebit
- MuchBetter
- Neosurf
- Flexepin
- MiFinity
- Jeton
- AstroPay
- Apple Pay
- crypto
Game studios
- Pragmatic Play
- Evolution Gaming
- NetEnt
- Play'n GO
- Playtech
- Games Global
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Nolimit City
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Push Gaming
- Big Time Gaming
- Yggdrasil Gaming
and 82 more studios
-
4
JooLive dealer floor9.4Up to C$1,800+ 100 free spins143 game studios · Minimum deposit C$30 · Wagering 50x · Interac, Interac E-Transfer, IDebit, InstaDebit
Bonus details
Welcome package C$1,800 Free spins 100 Minimum deposit C$30 Wagering 50x Payments
- Interac
- Interac E-Transfer
- IDebit
- InstaDebit
- Gigadat
- MuchBetter
- Neosurf
- Flexepin
- Paysafecard
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Payz
- MiFinity
- Jeton
Game studios
- Pragmatic Play
- Evolution Gaming
- NetEnt
- Play'n GO
- Playtech
- Games Global
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Nolimit City
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Relax Gaming
- Push Gaming
- Big Time Gaming
and 131 more studios
-
5
N1BetLive dealer floor9.3300% up to C$10,000+ 200 free spins149 game studios · Minimum deposit C$30 · Wagering 50x · Interac, Interac E-Transfer, IDebit, MuchBetter
Bonus details
Welcome package C$10,000 Free spins 200 Minimum deposit C$30 Wagering 50x Payments
- Interac
- Interac E-Transfer
- IDebit
- MuchBetter
- Neosurf
- Paysafecard
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Payz
- MiFinity
- Jeton
- AstroPay
- Visa
- MasterCard
Game studios
- Pragmatic Play
- Evolution Gaming
- NetEnt
- Play'n GO
- Playtech
- Games Global
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Nolimit City
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Relax Gaming
- Push Gaming
- Big Time Gaming
and 137 more studios
-
6
125% up to C$7,250+ 175 free spins65 game studios · Minimum deposit C$25 · Wagering 40x · Interac, iDebit, Instadebit, MuchBetter
Bonus details
Welcome package C$7,250 Free spins 175 Minimum deposit C$25 Wagering 40x Payments
- Interac
- iDebit
- Instadebit
- MuchBetter
- Neosurf
- Flexepin
- Payz
- MiFinity
- Jeton
- crypto
Game studios
- Pragmatic Play
- Playtech
- Games Global
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Nolimit City
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Relax Gaming
- Push Gaming
- Big Time Gaming
- Yggdrasil Gaming
- Quickspin
- Elk Studios
and 53 more studios
-
7
100% up to C$5,200+ 150 free spins94 game studios · Minimum deposit C$20 · Wagering 40x · Interac, Neosurf, crypto
Bonus details
Welcome package C$5,200 Free spins 150 Minimum deposit C$20 Wagering 40x Payments
- Interac
- Neosurf
- crypto
Game studios
- Pragmatic Play
- Evolution Gaming
- NetEnt
- Play'n GO
- Playtech
- Microgaming
- Games Global
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Nolimit City
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Relax Gaming
- Push Gaming
and 82 more studios
19+ (18+ in Alberta, Manitoba and Québec). We earn a commission when you open an account through the links above; it never changes the ranking, the bonus you get or the price you pay. Bonus terms and payout times are the operator’s and can change — check them in the cashier before you deposit. Play within your limits; help is at ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600.