Wrestling has evolved into a multifaceted sport with distinct branches — from Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling in the Olympics to the scripted drama of professional wrestling organisations like WWE and AEW. Each format offers unique betting opportunities, and in recent years, wrestling betting, also with non UK betting sites for example, has gained traction with both casual fans and seasoned punters.
But betting on wrestling isn’t the same as placing a wager on football or horse racing. The nature of the sport, especially in scripted entertainment formats, means you need to approach it with the right mindset and understanding. This guide explains how to bet on wrestling competitions, whether you’re following the Olympic Games or a high-stakes WWE pay-per-view.
Understanding the Types of Wrestling You Can Bet On
Before diving into the mechanics of betting, it’s important to distinguish between the two primary types of wrestling where betting markets exist:
- Amateur Wrestling – This includes Greco-Roman and freestyle disciplines found in events like the Olympics, World Championships, and collegiate tournaments (especially in the US). These matches are unscripted, with real outcomes determined by the athletes’ performance.
- Professional Wrestling (Pro Wrestling) – This includes WWE, AEW, NJPW, and other entertainment-focused promotions. Outcomes are scripted, but betting is still permitted by some sportsbooks under strict market limits.
Each category requires a different betting approach, as the variables and information sources differ significantly.
How to Bet on Amateur Wrestling Competitions
Amateur wrestling betting is more niche, but it’s available at selected sportsbooks during major international events, especially the Olympics. These matches are unscripted, so they resemble traditional sports betting more closely.
Key Markets
- Match Winner: A straightforward bet on who will win the match.
- Medal Winner: Bet on an athlete to win a gold, silver or bronze medal.
- Total Points: Over/Under bets based on the total points scored in a match.
- Winning Margin: Predict how many points an athlete will win by.
Practical Example
Let’s say during the Summer Olympics, you’re looking at a men’s freestyle wrestling quarterfinal between USA’s Jordan Burroughs and a Russian competitor.
A bookmaker might offer:
- Jordan Burroughs to win: 1.65
- Russian athlete to win: 2.30
If you’ve followed Burroughs’ career and know his explosive double-leg takedowns often secure early leads, you might feel confident in backing him. You might also opt for an alternative bet like Burroughs to win by 5-8 points, which could offer longer odds (e.g., 3.50) and greater return if you expect a dominant showing.
Betting on Professional Wrestling (e.g. WWE, AEW)
This is where things get interesting — and more controversial. Pro wrestling is scripted entertainment, meaning the outcomes are predetermined by creative teams. Despite this, betting is allowed on selected sites, though the maximum bet limits are often capped to prevent insider abuse.
You might wonder, Why would anyone bet on a scripted sport? The answer is simple: most fans don’t know the script. Outcomes are tightly controlled within inner creative circles, and there’s still room for analysis based on storylines, character momentum, fan reactions, and business direction.
Common Markets
- Match Outcome: Who wins the match (often the only market offered).
- Winner of a Tournament: Pick who will win a multi-match event like King of the Ring.
- Title Change Bets: Wager on whether a championship will change hands.
Real Example
Suppose WWE is promoting WrestleMania, and one of the featured bouts is:
- Roman Reigns (Champion) vs Cody Rhodes (Challenger)
A bookmaker offers:
- Roman Reigns to retain: 1.80
- Cody Rhodes to win: 2.00
In this case, you’d consider a few factors:
- Is WWE planning to end Roman’s long title reign?
- Has Cody been heavily featured in marketing and press?
- Have there been leaks or rumours hinting at the finish?
Let’s say WWE’s storytelling has built Cody up as the ultimate underdog set to fulfil his late father’s dream. This narrative push could indicate a title change — making Cody Rhodes at 2.00 a potentially strong value bet.
Still, due to the scripted nature, bet limits on such markets are often restricted to around £20-£50.
Research and Strategy: What Really Matters
Wrestling betting, especially in the professional sphere, rewards those who are deeply familiar with the product. For amateur wrestling, studying an athlete’s past performances, weight class dynamics, and recent form is critical. Here are a few practical strategies:
- Watch and Analyse Footage: Wrestling is a technical sport. In freestyle wrestling, for example, some athletes are explosive but weak defensively. Others win through mat control and stamina.
- Track Injuries and Weigh-ins: Wrestlers cutting too much weight might underperform. Injuries, especially in collegiate and Olympic formats, are often publicised ahead of events.
- Follow Storylines and Rumours (Pro Wrestling): On platforms like Reddit, Wrestling Observer, and Fightful, leaks and backstage news can sometimes hint at upcoming creative decisions.
- Check the Odds Movement: Significant shifts in betting odds, especially in WWE markets, can indicate leaks or sharp money being placed.
Where to Bet on Wrestling
Not all sportsbooks offer wrestling markets, especially for amateur events. However, some reputable names include:
- BetOnline and Bovada – Known to provide WWE odds and Olympic wrestling coverage during the Games.
- Bet365 and Unibet – Occasionally offer markets for major wrestling events, especially in the US and European territories.
- Non-GamStop Casinos – Some offshore casinos and sportsbooks provide broader wrestling markets, including independent wrestling events and prop bets.
Always ensure you’re using a licensed and trusted sportsbook, especially when betting on scripted events.
Betting on wrestling competitions blends athletic insight with narrative interpretation. Whether it’s the raw combat of Olympic freestyle wrestling or the elaborate storytelling of WWE, successful punting comes down to doing your homework and recognising where the edge lies.
Amateur wrestling bets reward those who know the technical side of the sport, while pro wrestling bets suit fans who understand booking logic and momentum. Either way, wrestling betting can be both profitable and fun — provided you treat it as a strategic endeavour rather than a game of guesswork.As with any form of betting, responsible gambling is key. Keep your stakes measured, avoid chasing losses, and treat it as an extension of your passion for the sport — not a guaranteed income.
