The gambling regulators in Colorado and Michigan have denied a media report that they are in talks to legalise betting on World Wrestling Entertainment matches.
CNBC said on Wednesday that the Colorado Division of Gaming has held discussions with WWE, which the publication says is working with an accounting firm to ensure match reports – which are scripted – are not leaked.
CNBC added that WWE is liaising with Ernst & Young in the talks, quoting sources.
However, the Colorado Division of Gaming said it is “not currently and has not considered allowing sports betting wagers” on WWE matches.
It added that “at no time” has it held negotiations with WWE about approving such wagers, referencing a statute prohibiting bets on events with “fixed or predicted outcomes.”
“The Division of Gaming is committed to ensuring honesty and integrity in the Colorado gaming, and sports betting industry and continues this trusted role through fair and balanced enforcement of Colorado gaming statutes,” the regulator concluded.
The CNBC report also said that the WWE is targeting Michigan as a state to pursue legalisation. The Michigan Gaming Control Board's executive director, Henry Williams, subsequently said: "Any request for inclusion in Michigan’s Sports Wagering Catalog must be submitted to the MGCB by a Michigan-licensed operator or platform provider, and the agency has not received a formal request regarding WWE events wagering.
"The WWE should work with the gaming industry if it wishes to bring a proposal before the MGCB."
The MGCB said a third-party consutlant approached the regulator more than a year ago about adding WWE events to the state's catalogue, but the agency has since received no further information.
