WWE Doesn't Want Betting on Wrestling Matches
The concept of betting on professional wrestling matches has been dismissed by WWE's leadership. On November 7, TKO chief operating officer Mark Shapiro clarified the organization's stance on the matter during an interview with CNBC's Alex Sherman.
A scene from a scripted WWE wrestling match. (Source: WWE)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Shapiro, who oversees TKO, the entity formed from the merger of WWE and UFC, emphasized that WWE has no plans to introduce betting on its matches, despite past reports suggesting interest in the idea. For Shapiro, the structured nature of WWE events makes betting unfeasible, given that match outcomes are determined ahead of time, unlike in traditional sports where outcomes are unknown until they unfold in real time.
Related: US Lawmakers to Introduce Federal Sports Betting BillShapiro highlighted his experiences from years ago while managing Dick Clark Productions, where he encountered challenges keeping award show results confidential. In that role, Shapiro was responsible for ensuring the secrecy of outcomes for events like the American Music Awards and the Golden Globes, which were kept under wraps with the help of auditors.
This approach of secrecy, however, was difficult to maintain, even within the context of a relatively small group of production staff and officials. Shapiro noted that trying to do something similar with WWE, which has a highly collaborative creative process involving numerous personnel, would be impractical. With WWE's scripted nature, he pointed out, keeping match outcomes confidential to support fair betting practices would present logistical challenges that WWE is unwilling to tackle.
While legalized sports betting on WWE matches won't be happening anytime soon, wagering on professional wrestling is not entirely absent from the industry. Offshore betting sites have long offered fans the option to bet on match outcomes and other wrestling-related props, creating an alternative for those interested in betting on wrestling entertainment.
However, these betting markets are informal and typically less regulated, and they do not have the oversight of state-regulated betting platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel. Betting lines for WWE events on these platforms often fluctuate significantly on the days of major events, reflecting that information about match outcomes may sometimes reach individuals outside WWE's inner circle. As more people become aware of the planned results, these changes can create unpredictable shifts, a unique risk factor not present in other betting markets.
More Business News
Follow the Script
While WWE is known for exploring new revenue streams and ways to present its product more like traditional sports, the reality is that formal sports betting on scripted outcomes is not aligned with WWE's current operational model. The company has continually looked for ways to grow its fanbase and increase engagement, including initiatives such as partnerships with sports betting companies for fan-focused prediction games.
However, WWE's scripted format means that legalizing betting on matches would pose a significant challenge in managing and protecting information, particularly since results are predetermined by WWE's creative team. The need to safeguard match outcomes from leaks would require heightened security protocols and restrictions on internal communications that could disrupt the creative processes at WWE.
Shapiro mentioned that WWE's head of creative, Paul Levesque, known to fans as Triple H, would face considerable operational challenges in keeping match outcomes confidential to the extent required for legal betting. The creative process within WWE is a collaborative effort involving multiple departments and staff members.
To incorporate betting into this framework would necessitate an overhaul of the script-sharing process and could lead to strict limitations on who can access match information, potentially complicating day-to-day operations. These complexities underscore WWE's decision to stay away from formalized betting markets.
Even though the idea of betting on professional wrestling is unconventional, it had reportedly been explored earlier in 2023, as some discussions occurred between WWE and state regulators regarding the potential for introducing betting on match outcomes. Such talks raised the question of whether pro wrestling could adopt stricter confidentiality practices for scripts and outcomes, as done in other industries where result secrecy is essential.
However, WWE ultimately decided that the challenges of maintaining the required level of secrecy would outweigh any potential benefits of opening the door to sports betting. Wrestling, while drawing influence from the presentation and promotion style of mainstream sports, remains firmly rooted in its role as an entertainment product where scripted events drive storylines and fan engagement.
RELATED TOPICS: Business
Latest News
Most Read
Must Read
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for WWE Doesn't Want Betting on Wrestling Matches