Can you bet on the WWE? Gambling on Wrestling explained

Despite its scripted nature, professional wrestling still has a major following around the country. The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is the premier wrestling league that features weekly shows and several signature events, such as WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble. Matches often feature wrestlers jumping off ropes, using chairs as weapons, and fighting outside the ring. 

The WWE continues to expand its business in creative ways, such as adding young YouTube/internet celebrities like Logan Paul into the mix. However, one thing the WWE has been unable to do is reach an agreement with regulators and sportsbooks to allow people to bet on their sport. 

Why can’t I bet on WWE wrestling? 

You cannot bet on the WWE because it offers scripted sports-style events. That means the WWE determines the outcomes of its events in advance to propel storylines and provide entertainment to fans in attendance and watching on television. If an event has a fixed outcome, that leaves open the possibility of inside information being leaked and the public using that knowledge to make money from a sportsbook.

That’s why state regulators and sportsbooks have not been convinced to offer WWE as a gambling option. One state that some thought could legalize betting on the WWE in the future was Colorado, but state regulators shut down that idea quickly since Colorado does not allow “wagers on events with fixed or predicted outcomes or purely by chance” (CNBC). Sportsbooks have a similar philosophy, and BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt was blunt in his response regarding whether BetMGM would consider taking bets on the WWE’s scripted matches, “no f----ing way” (CNBC).

Leaks in WWE are also incredibly common. Leaked results are nicknamed “dirt sheets” and are often started by somebody within WWE before it is posted online shortly before the event (Technopedia). If WWE wanted to become an authorized sport in the sports gambling industry, it would need to eliminate the risk of leaks that could make sportsbooks extremely vulnerable. Plus, the American Gaming Association has stated, “Both regulators and operators must have confidence in the integrity of the competitions” for gambling on the sport to occur (CNBC).

WWE’s attempts to bring sports betting to wrestling

The WWE has partnered with the accounting firm Ernst & Young to reduce the chances of script leaks in hopes of proving to regulators that it is safe to bet on. Firms like Ernst & Young and PwC are responsible for securing the results of the Academy Awards for states to allow bets on the event (CNBC, 2). The Academy Awards is a fixed entertainment event that is legal to bet on in several states around the country. The WWE is trying to follow in the Academy Awards’ footsteps into the sports gambling industry.

According to the WWE, it has already begun its journey to get regulated wagering in states like Colorado, Indiana, and Michigan. However, it’s looking like the journey will be a long one. Colorado has already dismissed the report and said, “The Colorado Division of Gaming is not currently and has not considered allowing sports betting on WWE matches” (Forbes). In Michigan, regulators were quick to say, “The WWE should work with the gaming industry if it wishes to bring a proposal before the Michigan Sports Wagering Catalog” (Forbes).

To little surprise, states are incredibly hesitant to bring WWE into the sports gambling industry. That’s because the WWE could be the start of fixed-outcome events becoming legalized. Despite the WWE’s best efforts, there likely won’t be a quick solution.

Are fantasy wrestling and free-to-play pools legal for WWE wrestling?

Yes, DraftKings offers free pools for wrestling for the WWE. DraftKings became the WWE’s official gaming partner in 2021 and now offers free pools for big events, such as WrestleMania (USA Today). DraftKings Chief Business Officer Ezra Kucharz said after the partnership began, "As a cultural icon and incredible sports and entertainment company, we are thrilled to join forces with WWE and introduce its devoted fanbase to the DraftKings brand” (USA Today). This is the closest fans will get to legally betting on the WWE, for now at least.

Sources:

Betting on WWE matches? 'NFW!' say gaming operators and regulators

How to Bet on WWE in the US – WWE Betting Guide and Tips

WWE in talks with state gambling regulators to legalize betting on scripted match results

WWE Betting Odds: Can You Wager On Professional Wrestling?

WWE exploring legalized gambling for scripted matches in Colorado and Michigan