Walt Disney Lobbies against Florida Gambling Expansion

Reviewer Paul Jacobs
Reviewed By Paul Jacobs Casino Expert

New reports have surfaced saying that Walt Disney has been involved in the efforts to stop the proposed gambling and casino expansion in Florida. In total, Walt Disney has reportedly donated $250 000 to lobbying efforts to stop more casinos in Florida.

Walt Disney Fights Florida Gambling expansion

Walt Disney Donates to Lobby Group

The $250 000 donation was made from Disney Worldwide Services, which is a subsidiary of the media and entertainment firm, and was paid to Voters in Charge. Voters in Charge is a Tallahassee-based lobbying firm whose goal is to make sure that voters in Florida decide on the gambling expansion, rather than the politicians in the government.

Documents for the donation were filed with the state of Florida on April 3rd, which revealed the $250 000 donation. The donation was made from Disney’s Lake Buena Vista address in Florida, which is the address of Disney World

Currently, there are two lobbying firms that are working to halt the gambling expansion. Voters in Charge and No Casinos in Florida are trying to get a gambling amendment placed on the state’s 2018 ballot. If they are successful, this will essentially stall any talks about expanding gambling in the state. In order to succeed in their mission, the two firms would need to get at least 100 000 valid signatures on petitions.

Florida Gambling License Expired

As it stands right now, the gambling compact between the Seminole Tribe and the Florida government expired back in 2015, and a new agreement has not been reached yet. The tribe has continued its casino operations in Florida and continued with paying taxes and the agreed revenue share to the state.

However, technically this constitutes illegal gambling operations. As the Seminole casinos offer slots and table games, which makes them a Class III operation, which requires a valid license with the state. In order for a new agreement to be signed, the two chambers of Florida’s state legislature must reach an agreement. Unfortunately, the two chambers do not see eye-to-eye on how to proceed at this time.

Read today's breaking stories

Atlantic City Casino Revenue
News Aug 21, 2026

Atlantic City Casino Revenue Hits $304 Million in July 2026

Alex Harper Alex Harper • 10 min read
Thunder Valley Casino Stabbing
News Aug 21, 2026

Thunder Valley Casino Stabbing: 5 Workers Injured

Alex Harper Alex Harper • 10 min read
How to Read Sports Betting Odds
News Aug 21, 2026

How to Read Sports Betting Odds

Lara Johns Lara Johns • 10 min read
Paige Williams

Paige Williams

Paige Williams is the Editor-in-Chief at CasinoUS.com, where she leads the editorial strategy and content standards across the platform. She specializes in casino bonuses, promotions, and player reward programs, ensuring every guide is accurate, transparent, and designed to help players make informed decisions.

Editorial Statement: Casino US is your trusted source for timely industry updates, in-depth analysis, and honest operator reviews. Our editorial team brings years of specialized gaming industry knowledge to every story, holding ourselves to strict standards of accuracy and objectivity. We're dedicated to providing straightforward, unbiased, and reliable reporting on the US gambling landscape and beyond.