Update On Possibility Of Allowing Gambling On WWE Matches

WWE

A new report has provided an update on the possibility of allowing gambling on WWE matches.

As previously reported, CNBC revealed that WWE was working toward legalizing gambling on wrestling matches, enlisting services of accounting firm Ernst & Young, with Michigan, Colorado and Indiana mentioned as initial targets.

As of now, betting on WWE matches is only available on offshore sportsbooks mostly in other countries.

Wrestling Inc. recently reached out to 13 states to comment on the possibility of allowing gambling on WWE matches.

Three states (Oregon, Maryland and South Dakota) completely shot down the idea of gambling on wrestling matches. Kerry Hemphill, Manager of Sports Betting Product at the Oregon Lottery, made it clear that gambling on WWE wouldn’t be allowed as a matter of policy, saying:

“Although there is no law or statute that forbids it, Oregon Lottery sports betting policy is to not accept wagers on scripted events with predicted outcomes.”

Seth Elkin, Assistant Director of Communications for Public Affairs for Maryland Lottery and Gaming, stated:

“Maryland’s sports wagering law and regulations prohibit forms of wagering that are contrary to public policy or unfair to bettors,”

“We’ve determined that it is unfair to bettors, and therefore not in the public’s interest, to accept wagers on sports entertainment events that have predetermined outcomes, like professional wrestling.”

Meanwhile, a representative from the South Dakota Department of Revenue said:

“WWE wrestling matches would not be eligible for sports wagering in South Dakota.”

Two states (Ohio and Iowa) both said no to betting on predetermined events. Brian J. Ohorilko, Administrator of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, shot down on gambling on wrestling, saying:

“Predetermined events are not permitted in the State of Iowa. Iowa law defines and permits professional sporting events and sports-related events; however, fixed or predetermined outcomes are not explicitly permitted.”

“As such, and for other integrity concerns, the commission has not permitted predetermined events in any of the approved wagering markets.”

Ohorilko continued on to comment on the process on legalizing gambling, saying:

“From a practical standpoint, any request would need to come with a legal opinion as to how this would be permitted under Iowa law.”

“It would need to go through legal review with consultation from the AG office. If legal review passes, the commission would still need to review policy and integrity concerns with respect to the activity having predetermined outcomes. Approval would be needed before this type of wagering activity could take place.”

Arizona and Connecticut have laws against betting on fixed outcomes, while Maine and Montana agree with most of their colleagues on the matter.

After hearing that four other states had expressed skepticism over betting on WWE, Maine Gambling Control Unit Executive Director Milton Champion said:

“On the surface, without looking into the matter, I would concur with my colleagues. Operators will submit with their application events that they want to take wagers on, and I shall approve them.”

New Jersey and Massachusetts declined to comment on the matter, while Washington and New Mexico illustrated the challenges of tribal gaming.

We will have further updates on the ongoing legalized gambling on WWE when they become available.

Here are results from the Friday, May 12 episode of WWE SmackDown:

AJ Styles def. Edge, Rey Mysterio in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tournament

Bobby Lashley def. Austin Theory, Sheamus in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tournament

Grayson Waller appeared in a backstage segment with Adam Pearce and announced the winner of the Styles vs Lashley main event would appear on his Grayson Waller Effect talk show next week

Cameron Grimes def. Baron Corbin

Roman Reigns made his first appearance since WrestleMania 39 and said that Solo Sikoa has stepped up, but the Usos are a problem and that they embarrassed him

Paul Heyman then announced Reigns and Sikoa would be challenging Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia

Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez def. Bayley & Dakota Kai to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship

Former NXT Tag Team Champions Pretty Deadly made their SmackDown debut backstage, setting up a match against the Brawling Brutes for next week

Bianca Belair appeared for a ‘celebration’ in her hometown of Knoxville, but was interrupted by a returning Asuka who spat mist in Belair’s face

AJ Styles def. Bobby Lashley in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tournament

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