Online betting has become a popular pastime in the last few years, with regulated markets growing and both casinos and sportsbooks providing quality services. Just as casino games are becoming more popular, with options like slots, table games, and more available, sports betting is enjoying a second rise in popularity. Is it then any surprise that fans of pro wrestling want to place their bets on their favorite wrestler?
But It’s Scripted?
You might be thinking, “Hold up, Tapout for a second,” aren’t wrestling matches like the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) ones scripted? As such, isn’t it predetermined who would win or lose? Yes, these wrestling matches have a predetermined outcome, but you can still bet on it.
That’s because only a few people know how the match will end. Strict rules are in place to prevent any information leaks, so it’s like an actual match of skill to the audience. As such, you can still bet on it because the bettors and sportsbooks won’t know which wrestler will win.
In fact, many bettors think it’s more exciting to bet in this way, as it’s not necessarily skill or experience that determines the match but the story writer’s preferences. As such, anything can happen, and a surefire victory might not be one.
Growth in Popularity
WWE has been around for decades, and it’s not going anywhere soon. The revelation that the organizers script its fights has become part of the entertainment it offers, and people worldwide follow the latest matches. While North America, Japan, and Mexico are the most significant wrestling markets, the love of this sport has grown to a global scale.
As bettors wager on the matches, the available betting markets also grow. You can wager on how a game ends, such as Match Win, Retain Title, Near Fall, Brand Winner, and more. You can also place your stake on whether a new wrestler will appear or who will walk out first.
Recent WWE events bettors enjoyed wagering on is the Royal Rumble, ending in victory for Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley. The SummerSlam is one of the most anticipated events this year, with bettors streaming to sportsbooks to place their bets.
Recent Movements for Pro Wrestling Betting
WWE has been in talks with various countries in the US to try and legalize betting on WWE. While it seems like it won’t become legal in the US just yet, WWE is implementing changes to ensure a smooth transition.
Some of those changes are securing match results with accounting firm EY to keep them from the public and not informing wrestlers until hours before the match who wins. Whether it becomes legal in the US or not, the global pro wrestling market is growing, and betting on it is becoming more popular.
