Many fans of professional wrestling wonder if it is possible to bet on the outcomes of matches. The answer is yes, you can bet on wrestling, but it’s not as straightforward as betting on other sports.
In the United States, betting on professional wrestling is not currently legal at domestic sportsbooks. However, there are options for fans who want to bet on wrestling matches. They can place bets at online sports betting sites that operate legally outside of the United States. These sites offer odds on a variety of wrestling matches, including those from popular promotions like WWE and AEW.
There are several types of bets that fans can place on wrestling matches. These include match outcome bets, where fans bet on the winner of a match, and prop bets, where fans can bet on specific events happening during a match, such as which wrestler will be the first to enter the ring. While betting on wrestling may not be as popular as other sports, it is still an option for fans who want to add an extra level of excitement to their viewing experience.
Is Betting on Wrestling Legal?
When it comes to betting on wrestling, the legality of it can be a bit confusing. In the UK, betting on wrestling is legal and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. However, in the United States, it’s a bit more complicated.
UK Laws on Wrestling Betting
In the UK, betting on wrestling is treated like any other sport. It’s legal and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. This means that bookmakers can offer odds on wrestling matches, and fans can place bets on the outcome of those matches.
However, it’s worth noting that there are some restrictions on wrestling betting in the UK. For example, bookmakers are not allowed to offer odds on matches where the outcome has already been decided. This is to prevent match-fixing and ensure that the sport remains fair and competitive.
WWE’s Policy on Betting
While betting on wrestling is legal in the UK, it’s a different story in the United States. The WWE has a strict policy against betting on its matches, and any wrestlers caught gambling on their own matches can face serious consequences.
It’s worth noting that this policy applies only to the WWE and its wrestlers. Fans in the United States are still able to bet on wrestling matches through offshore sportsbooks. However, it’s important to do so at your own risk, as these sportsbooks are not regulated by US authorities and may not be trustworthy.
Overall, the legality of betting on wrestling depends on where you are in the world. In the UK, it’s legal and regulated, while in the United States, it’s a bit more complicated. Fans who want to bet on wrestling should do so carefully and only through reputable sportsbooks.
Types of Wrestling Bets
When it comes to betting on wrestling, there are several types of bets available. Here are the three most common types of wrestling bets:
Outright Winner
The most common type of wrestling bet is the outright winner. This is where you bet on the wrestler who you think will win the match. The odds for each wrestler will be listed, and you can choose which wrestler you want to bet on. If your chosen wrestler wins, you win the bet.
For example, if wrestler 1 has odds of 2/1 and wrestler 2 has odds of 5/2, if you bet £10 on wrestler 1 and they win, you would win £20. If you bet £10 on wrestler 2 and they win, you would win £25.
Match Outcome
Another popular type of wrestling bet is the match outcome. This is where you bet on how the match will end. For example, you can bet on whether the match will end in a pinfall, submission, count-out, or disqualification.
The odds for each outcome will be listed, and you can choose which outcome you want to bet on. If your chosen outcome occurs, you win the bet.
Special Bets
Special bets are bets that are not related to the outcome of the match. These can be anything from how long the match will last to whether a wrestler will perform a particular move during the match.
The odds for each special bet will be listed, and you can choose which special bet you want to bet on. If your chosen outcome occurs, you win the bet.
Where to Bet on Wrestling
Online Betting Sites
There are several online betting sites where you can bet on wrestling. Some of the most popular ones include Betway, William Hill, and Bet365. These sites offer a wide range of betting options for various wrestling events, including WWE and AEW matches. They also provide competitive odds and bonuses for new and existing customers.
Bookmakers
Bookmakers are another option for betting on wrestling. They are physical locations where you can place bets on various sports, including wrestling. Some of the most well-known bookmakers in the UK include Ladbrokes, Coral, and Betfred. These bookmakers offer a range of betting options and often provide live streaming of wrestling events.
Wrestling Betting Exchanges
Wrestling betting exchanges are another option for betting on wrestling. These are online platforms where users can place bets against each other, rather than against a bookmaker.
This allows for greater flexibility in terms of odds and betting options. Some of the most popular wrestling betting exchanges include Betfair and Smarkets. When choosing where to bet on wrestling, it is important to consider factors such as the range of betting options, odds, bonuses, and user experience. It is also important to ensure that the betting site or exchange is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission.
Tips for Wrestling Betting
When it comes to betting on wrestling, there are a few tips that can help increase your chances of success. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Know the Wrestlers
One of the most important things to do before placing a bet on a wrestling match is to get to know the wrestlers involved. This means not just knowing their names, but also understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and past performances. Take the time to research each wrestler and their history in the ring, paying attention to things like their finishing moves, win-loss record, and any rivalries they may have.
It’s also important to keep up with the latest news and developments in the wrestling world. This can help you identify any potential injuries, suspensions, or other factors that may impact a wrestler’s performance and affect the outcome of a match.
Watch Previous Matches
Another key tip for successful wrestling betting is to watch previous matches featuring the wrestlers you’re interested in betting on. This can give you a better sense of their style, strategy, and overall performance level. Look for matches against opponents who are similar in size, skill level, and wrestling style to the wrestlers they’ll be facing in upcoming matches.
Watching previous matches can also help you identify any patterns or trends in a wrestler’s performance. For example, you may notice that a wrestler tends to perform better in certain types of matches or against certain opponents. This can give you valuable insights into how they’re likely to perform in future matches.
Overall, the key to successful wrestling betting is to do your research, stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments, and carefully consider all the factors that may impact a wrestler’s performance. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making informed, successful bets on wrestling matches.
Conclusion
Betting on wrestling may seem like a strange concept to some, but it is a popular pastime for many fans. While the outcomes of matches are predetermined, there are still many factors that can influence the result, such as injuries, storyline developments, and unexpected twists.
It is important to remember that the storyline is often more important than the actual athletic ability of the wrestlers. This means that even if a wrestler is considered to be the favourite, they may not necessarily win if it does not fit with the overall narrative.
When betting on wrestling, it is important to do your research and keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry. This can include following promotions and wrestlers on social media, reading news articles and blogs, and watching matches and events.
There are various types of bets that can be placed on wrestling, including outright winner bets, elimination bets, and bout outcome bets. Each type of bet has its own risks and rewards, and it is important to understand the rules and regulations of the betting platform you are using.
Overall, betting on wrestling can be a fun and exciting way to engage with the sport and potentially earn some extra cash. As with any form of gambling, it is important to gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
