Betting on wrestling and WWE is a completely different ballgame from betting on other sports due to its scripted nature. Despite not all bookmakers accepting bets on WWE matches and Pay Per View events, it is still possible to place wagers on wrestling. If you're intrigued by the prospect and are uncertain of the possibilities, this insight aims to delve into the essentials and provide you with an overview as clear as a straight pinfall.
Scripted Outcomes Affecting Bets
Scripted outcomes of WWE matches and PPV events don't prevent many of the most renowned bookmakers from accepting bets. However, in alignment with the predetermined results, there is an effect on how wagering works.
Strict Terms & Conditions
The terms and conditions for betting on WWE and wrestling are much stricter and more detailed than those for different sports. There are numerous factors which can result in bets being voided, such as changes to the number of participants in a match, rescheduled events such as postponement of a match due to an injury of an individual, or if no final ruling in the broadcast occurred, this would result in bets being voided. Suppose a result was to be leaked, which is against the odds and sees an upset for a well-established wrestler being defeated by an upcoming, inexperienced one - in that case, bookmakers are likely to void bets in that scenario, too.
Lower Odds
Since all WWE matches are predetermined, bookmakers must protect their interests tightly. The best betting odds for a WWE match will always be lower than an MMA or boxing bout. There is a higher chance of bettors using their knowledge to gain an advantage when placing stakes on WWE compared to most other non-scripted sports. The company is built on storylines; therefore, it is more akin to betting on the outcome of a TV show than an actual sport.
Win Limits
As previously mentioned, with most bookmakers, the terms and conditions for betting on WWE are more stringent than those for other sports. With WWE wagers, you will notice that the win limits are capped lower, and it logically makes sense for bookmakers to protect their profits. Despite company officials having to sign non-disclosure agreements, it is impossible to guarantee that every piece of crucial information stays behind closed doors. Cases have been reported in the past where bookmakers have been shot in the foot due to insiders leaking results.
Popular Wagers
There are options that reflect boxing and MMA regarding the type of bet you can place on a WWE match. For example, straight win bets and the type of win; this includes pinfall, submission, DQ, and other types of outcomes. Moreover, there are plenty of interesting bet types, some of which are stipulation and PPV-specific. For example, you can bet on who will be the first to face elimination in a Royal Rumble or bet on the wrestler who will make the highest number of eliminations.
There is also a market away from the actual wrestling where you can wager on viewing figures for a PPV event, but it is much rarer to see this option on a weekly basis for RAW, Smackdown or NXT.
Three Tips for Betting on WWE
There are advantages to betting on WWE despite the range of restrictions and limitations. The odds are lower, but there is an argument that it is easier to predict the outcome.
Research the Betting Markets
Betting on WWE and wrestling is niche and unique compared to other sports. It's important to look beyond the basic win markets and scan different bookmakers to find the best odds available and potential promotions and bonuses to be claimed.
Hone in on the Storyline
Put yourself in the shoes of the creative team behind the scenes to script WWE events and shows. What would you like to see, or what would the wider audience like to see in each match? You have to predict the writers' activity rather than past performances and the physical conditions of wrestlers.
Don't Over-Rely on Favourites
Based on your knowledge and emotion, it could haunt you occasionally if you root for the top babyface or your favourite wrestler because they have a strong screen presence and dominate the storyline. It's vital to remember that frequent upsets enhance the value of entertainment due to the scripted nature of WWE and wrestling in general.
How a Dutching Calculator Can Help
A technique that can be used to place wagers on WWE matches, such as the Royal Rumble or Money In The Bank, is Dutch betting, to cover all outcomes.
Where there can be multiple outcomes of a match in WWE, a Dutching calculator can aid matched betting strategies to minimise potential loss and help return a value involving all the different market odds included in the section. When it is done correctly, the bettor is ultimately protected from losses no matter how it finishes.
This software tool can help determine the optimal amount to bet on each selection in this strategy. With numerous competitors in events such as the Royal Rumble and Money In The Bank, the calculator can simplify the process and help bettors make more informed decisions, as calculations involved with Dutch betting can be complex and time-consuming.
Other Popular Wrestling Promotions
WWE isn't the only professional wrestling company you can wager on. Sportsbooks offer numerous betting options for other promotions, too; here is a list of them.
- All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
- Ring of Honor (ROH)
- TNA Wrestling (Formerly Impact!)
- Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA)
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
Summary
Betting on WWE is distinct from other sports betting. While not all bookmakers accept WWE bets, many offer various wagering options. The predetermined outcomes lead to stricter terms and conditions, while lower odds are offered to protect bookmakers from insider leaks and other risks. Despite these challenges, bettors can still place bets on match outcomes, specific event stipulations, and more. And it's not just WWE, other wrestling promotions like AEW and NJPW also offer a different wagering experience. So, for those intrigued by this niche market, there's a whole world of wrestling betting waiting to be explored.
