The WWE has staged endings to their matches. The wrestlers work off scripts. If you are a fan, like I am, you’ve noticed since the age of 9 that, more often than not, the referee seemingly gets knocked unconscious in about 45% of the matches. So based on that, you might think there is no sport on the planet less likely to allow gambling.
But where there is a will (to make lots of money), there is a way, and it appears the WWE is working with the accounting firm Ernest & Young to make sure the scripted match results remain top secret to convince gambling regulators they should be allowed to take bets.
EY has a history of at least trying to keep things on the down low — they have worked with big award shows like the Oscars and Emmys in the past, and things have tended to go pretty well.
By the way, you can bet on Academy Award winners — it’s legal, and betting apps like FanDuel and DraftKings allow it, although it’s banned in most states.
Vince McMahon and the WWE are using the Oscars as their comp to convince regulators that they should be able to take bets.
According to CNBC, the WWE is targeting a handful of states: Michigan, Indiana, and Colorado.
If the WWE can pull this off and allow gambling, they feel it will open up their sport to a new fan base — degenerative gamblers.
The company is also exploring potential buyers with a price tag.
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