WWE WANTS TO LEGALIZE BETTING

WWE is in talks with state regulators to legalize betting on scripted matches in the United States, according to a new report.

 CNBC reported that WWE is in talks with state regulators in Colorado and Michigan to legalize betting on WWE matches, according to sources.

 WWE is working closely with professional services consulting firm EY to secure results and convince regulators there is no chance of them being leaked to the public. The report noted that EY (along with PwC) worked with major awards shows like the Oscars to ensure the results are kept secret. WWE cited Oscar betting (which is not allowed in most states) as a safe model.

 A key difference, of course, is that while Oscar winners are known to a select few ahead of time, they are not scripted by writers.

 The Colorado Gaming Division told CNBC that they are not currently considering bets as they pertain to WWE. The state has a statute that prohibits betting on fixed or predicted outcomes, including the Oscars.

 If WWE is successful in its pursuit, it could fundamentally change the way storylines and matches are booked. Citing people familiar with the situation, CNBC suggested that fight results could be locked in months ahead of time and that fighters would not know whether they were winning or losing until just before their fight took place.