WWE Trying To Legalize Betting On Their Matches

WWE is always known for the evolution of its practices and strategies that have made it a global juggernaut and helped in its existence for nearly four decades. Moreover, they are also known to introduce new initiatives thanks to their creative teams that have kept the audience engaged with the product. However, it looks like WWE is planning to go in the direction of legalizing betting on their scripted bouts.

According to a recent CNBC story, WWE is in discussions with gaming regulators in Colorado and Michigan. This is in regard to potentially permitting wagering on the results of their scripted matches.

In an effort to persuade regulators that there is no risk of scripted match results leaking to the public, WWE has hired the accounting firm Ernst & Young (also known as EY) to protect scripted match results. In the past, EY and other accounting firms have collaborated with award ceremonies, such as the Emmys and the Academy Awards, to keep results confidential.

According to reports, WWE executives used betting on the Academy Awards as a model to persuade authorities that wagering on scripted fights is secure. Several sports betting apps, like market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings, which have previously partnered with WWE, make it legal and possible to wager on the Academy Awards.

The way that storylines are developed and how particular WWE matches are produced would alter if betting was permitted. WWE executives have suggested that scripted outcomes of matches be locked in months in advance as part of discussions about how gambling on pro wrestling may operate. Prior to the start of a match, the wrestlers themselves would not be aware of their standing.

An example saw WWE deciding the outcome of the WrestleMania main event months in advance, based on a planned storyline that depended on the outcome of the Royal Rumble. After the wrestlers and other members of the show’s production find out the results, wagering on the match might then take place between The Rumble’s conclusion and up until days or even hours before WrestleMania.

It was also mentioned that if WWE is successful in its campaign to legalize wagering on match outcomes, it might pave the way for other closely guarded, top-secret scripted events to follow, such as future character deaths in TV shows. Check back at Ringside News as we follow up on this story.

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