Sports betting has seen swift growth and development in the United States over the last few years, with roughly 30 states now allowing legal sports betting; 18 of which have even legalized online wagering as well.
WWE has enjoyed an equally lucrative time, with revenues projected to reach over $2 billion by 2023 from televised deals alone.
Looking at these two industries, you would not be mistaken in thinking they make strange bedfellows, even if WWE is still considered a sport in the entertainment arena. The truth is, that despite the challenges, there are means to bet on the outcome of a WWE match, with events like the Royal Rumble perfect for fans who would like to wager on wrestling.
Can Wagers Be Made on Scripted Matches?
In short, yes. Although some sportsbooks in America are hesitant to offer this because of severe regulations as to what can and can’t be wagered on, many European sportsbooks have presented odds for WWE matches for close to a decade.
A scripted match doesn’t affect the outcome, which is what sports bettors will be wagering on, and that can be changed even after the wrestlers have left the ring. This already creates a different framework to any other entertainment bet.
How Do You Put Up Odds on A Predetermined Sport?
It remains true that there are a group of individuals who are in charge of scripting and determining the outcome of any given match at WWE – so how does it work in a sportsbook where all sports have odds and favorites, but no one really knows who is going to win?
The answer is: there are limits to the amounts you can bet. You won’t be allowed to place thousands of dollars on a WWE match, but you could place a few hundred and have some fun. The aim here is more to engage with fans and get their interests peaked when it comes to sports betting.
Ways To Bet On WWE
There are a few offshore books that offer a variety of wagering options for WWE matches.
For instance, you can bet on dozens of individual men and women to win the Royal Rumble but, just like how Super Bowl betting props have grown as the interest in it has, so too has the ways to bet on these wrestling matches – such as most eliminations, the longest time spent in the Rumble and odds of making it to the final four.
The most common type of bet seen in this sport is the match outcome, but you can also place bets on future opponents and the result of the next WrestleMania event.
Sportsbooks’ Perspectives
The aim here is pretty simple – to attract new customers that wouldn’t generally bet on sports. But take heed, as in any game of chance, you will still get sucker bets. This means the odds of winning are not reflected in the expected return; it is much lower.
How this would work in WWE is that they would put wrestlers into a match that have great entertainment value, such as ‘Stone Cold Steve Austin’ or Hulk Hogan, but they are not known winners, and then out of left field they may turn the game and end up being the winner.
It’s all part of the entertainment value, and the restricted wagering cap means the damage to fans’ pockets won’t be long-term or too severe.
Will American Sportsbooks Change Their Mind?
Most states will probably take their cue from the largest gambling market in the country, Las Vegas. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look promising. The Nevada Gaming Board has a very defined line as to what can be offered to gamblers – up until a few years ago, sportsbooks weren’t even allowed to offer bets on the Super Bowl MVP.
The idea behind this was if it is a decision that can be determined by opinion rather than play on the field, it can’t be on the sportsbooks.
Conclusion
Now you know that if WWE is one of your favorite sports and you would like to make a wager, you can – just on an offshore or European sportsbook.
It is scripted and the outcomes are predetermined – but only by the top-tier members of the WWE Federation.
Your limits on wagering and payouts are capped, so you really can have fun whilst being entertained, there is no pressure.
Most importantly, whatever you do, always stick to your budget. Little bets can add up over time.
