The debate about whether or not WWE is a real sport has been going on for years. For some, the scripted nature of the matches and predetermined outcomes make it more of an entertainment spectacle rather than a legitimate athletic competition. However, this overlooks the incredible athleticism and physical demands required to perform in the ring.
WWE events attract hundreds of fans from all over the world who come to watch their favorite wrestlers battle it out in dramatic fashion. The audience is often just as much a part of the show as the performers themselves, creating an electric atmosphere that can only be found at live wrestling events.
But beyond just entertainment value, there are many aspects of WWE that do qualify it as a legitimate sport. Wrestlers train for hours each day, honing their skills and perfecting their moves with grueling workouts and strict diets.
WWE has made a move that seeks to legitimize the sport further and has approached regulators in at least two states to authorize wagers on WWE matches, according to CNBC’s Alex Sherman.
Laughs and disapproval
Many have scoffed at WWE’s attempt to regulate betting on their events, claiming that no one can take this seriously.
Podcaster and Content Expert Dustin Gouker tweeted: If there are sportsbooks spending any amount of time/energy working on offering/regulating WWE betting, please eject them into the sun because almost all of them should have far more important things to do.
Anthony Cabot said on LinkedIn. “Please don’t tell me that any regulators are seriously considering allowing wagering on fake sports …”
Anticipating that no one would take them very seriously, WWE intends that betting on its events be treated in the same way as the Oscars and other awards ceremonies. As we know, you can bet on several awards ceremonies even though the result is already defined, and there is nothing that can change it.
The WWE intends to hire Ernst & Young to safeguard the results information and also would only allow betting on high-profile events.
Some experts and journalists believe that it is not such a bad idea since betting is a form of entertainment, and WWE is exactly the same as an entertainment show. Therefore it is not bad to create a legal betting market around your events.
Information leaks
What many fear is that there will be leaks of internal information in WWE that could benefit gamblers. But this is unlikely since all internal staff is under confidentiality contracts. If they blow any whistle, they are exposed to a huge lawsuit that could cost them their jobs and many millions of dollars.
Another concern that has not yet been fully addressed is the issue of exposing minors to betting. Let’s remember that hundreds of children follow WWE every week, so advertising related to gambling would have to be kept out of the arena, the broadcast, and other elements that children can easily access.
Offshore operators already have betting markets for WWE
Offshore bookmakers have long been known to offer a variety of betting markets that are not found in traditional bookmakers. One such market is the world of professional wrestling. While many may scoff at the idea of placing bets on predetermined outcomes, there is no denying the excitement and thrill it brings to fans who enjoy predicting the twists and turns of their favorite shows.
These offshore bookies offer a range of WWE betting markets, including predicting match winners, whether someone will turn heel or face during a show, and even if an unexpected superstar will make an appearance. The unpredictable nature of professional wrestling makes it an exciting prospect for bettors eager to test their knowledge against oddsmakers. These offshore bookies also offer betting markets on other unique events such as politics, reality TV shows, and even meteorological phenomena like hurricanes and earthquakes.