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Over the years, sports betting has become an institution in the United States. There’s always some form of odds displayed on TV networks and across social media. Traditionally, betting has been home to sports where anything is possible, like baseball, MMA, boxing, and soccer.
Pro wrestling has now entered the conversation, making its presence felt from off the top rope.
Per a report from CNBC, WWE, a publicly traded company, is in talks with state gambling regulars to legalize betting on its product.
WWE is targeting Michigan, Colorado, and Indiana as landing spots to start the legalization of betting. The company is already registered with the Indiana Gaming Commission. Colorado has shown no interest in allowing WWE in its gambling process.
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How will sports betting affect WWE?
Given that plans are made ahead of time for pro wrestling and WWE programming, would this affect the way WWE does business? It appears the rules of secrecy are at play.
Per CNBC’s Alex Sherman, “WWE is working with the accounting firm (Ernst & Young) to secure scripted match results in hopes it will convince regulators there’s no chance of results leaking to the public.”
Ernst & Young currently works with the Academy Awards and other award shows. They secure the results of winners and are brought up often during the broadcast. Betting on The Oscars is legal through FanDuel and DraftKings. Colorado does prohibit gambling on award shows already.
It should be noted that AEW has a deal with DraftKings. The gambling app has its name showcased in the ring at every AEW Dynamite show.
The report states that there is a proposal for results to be locked in ahead of time. Storyline plans for pro wrestling are either crafted months in advance or at the moment. Vince McMahon is notorious for changing the script of WWE programming (RAW, SmackDown) right up until the show starts.
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Further reports indicate that wrestlers involved in matches could potentially not know the results until just before it takes place. That could lead to multiple planning issues with co-workers, and, potentially, a lot of confusion.
This is just the latest news surrounding the WWE. The company recently hired JPMorgan to advise a potential sale. McMahon, who stepped down as CEO of the company following years of allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity, recently returned. He indicated to the company that any potential sale or rights deal would not be facilitated without his involvement.
Following his return, Vince’s daughter, Stephanie, a member of WWE’s Board of Directors, stepped down from her role as co-CEO. Nick Khan is now the sole CEO of WWE.