Even though it is choreographed, professional wrestling continues to have a large fan base across the nation. WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is the leading wrestling organization, hosting weekly programs and notable events like WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble. The matches frequently include wrestlers performing aerial stunts from the ropes, utilizing chairs as weapons, and engaging in brawls outside the ring.
The WWE is constantly finding innovative ways to grow its business, including bringing in young internet personalities like Logan Paul. However, it has struggled to secure an agreement with regulators and sportsbooks to permit betting on their events.
Why am I unable to place bets on WWE wrestling?
WWE cannot be wagered on because it organizes scripted events that are designed for entertainment. This means that the outcomes are predetermined to advance the storylines and engage both the live audience and television viewers. Since the results are fixed, there is a risk of insider information being disclosed, which could allow the public to exploit that knowledge to profit from betting.
This is why state regulators and sportsbooks have been hesitant to include WWE as a betting option. One state considered a potential candidate for future legalization of WWE betting was Colorado. However, state regulators quickly rejected this notion since Colorado prohibits “wagers on events with fixed or predicted outcomes or purely by chance” (CNBC). Sportsbooks share this perspective, and BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt was clear in his response about accepting bets on WWE’s scripted events, stating, “no f—-ing way” (CNBC).
Leaks are quite frequent in WWE. These leaked results, often referred to as “dirt sheets,” typically originate from someone inside WWE and are usually shared online shortly before an event (Technopedia). For WWE to be recognized as a legitimate sport within the betting industry, it would need to address the issue of leaks, which could compromise sportsbooks. Additionally, the American Gaming Association has emphasized that “both regulators and operators must trust the integrity of the competitions” for gambling on the sport to take place (CNBC).
WWE’s efforts to introduce sports betting into wrestling.
WWE has collaborated with the accounting firm Ernst & Young to minimize the risk of script leaks, aiming to demonstrate to regulators that betting on their events is secure. Companies like Ernst & Young and PwC are tasked with safeguarding the results of the Academy Awards so that betting on the ceremony can be permitted in certain states. The Academy Awards is a predetermined entertainment event that is legally bettable in various states across the nation. WWE is seeking to emulate the Academy Awards’ entry into the sports gambling market.
The WWE has started efforts to implement regulated betting in states such as Colorado, Indiana, and Michigan. However, it appears this process will take some time. Colorado has already rejected the idea, stating, “The Colorado Division of Gaming is not currently and has not considered allowing sports betting on WWE matches” (Forbes). In Michigan, regulators responded promptly, advising, “The WWE should collaborate with the gaming industry if it wants to submit a proposal to the Michigan Sports Wagering Catalog” (Forbes).
While mainstream sportsbooks remain hesitant, alternative betting platforms such as crypto casinos online are gaining popularity for offering unconventional betting markets. These platforms allow users to wager on a wide range of events, including esports and entertainment-based outcomes, using cryptocurrencies. Although WWE betting is not widely available, the rise of decentralized gambling could provide new opportunities for fans looking to place bets on wrestling events.
It is not surprising that states are quite wary of incorporating WWE into the sports betting sector. This hesitation stems from the potential for fixed-result events to become legal as a consequence. Even with WWE’s attempts to address the issue, a swift resolution seems unlikely.
Is fantasy wrestling and free-to-play pools permitted for WWE wrestling?
Indeed, DraftKings provides free pools for WWE wrestling events. Since becoming the official gaming partner of WWE in 2021, DraftKings has included free pools for major occasions like WrestleMania (USA Today). After the partnership was established, DraftKings Chief Business Officer Ezra Kucharz expressed, “We are excited to partner with WWE, a cultural icon and outstanding sports and entertainment entity, and to connect with its loyal fanbase through the DraftKings brand” (USA Today). For the time being, this is the only way fans can engage in legal betting on WWE events.
