US law
Betting on WWE Matches
WWE betting is generally not allowed on regulated U.S. sportsbooks. Regulators in the states that allow sports gambling typically exclude scripted entertainment formats like pro wrestling as ineligible for standard wagering. That means a WWE fan can't place a bet on a specified match outcome, win probability or performance statistic in the main regulated betting markets.
Some U.S. sportsbooks will offer novel wagering options, meaning free-to-play brackets, fantasy games or long-term futures propositions, which can sometimes extend to pro wrestling events. These are allowed because they are not typical state-regulated sportsbook wagers.
Why WWE Is Treated Differently
The core reason scripted entertainments like WWE are not broadly permitted is that their outcomes are not determined by athletic performance in the same way as traditional sports.
In March 2023, a CNBC report detailed WWE's attempts to legalize and promote betting on its scripted match outcomes.1 That effort included discussions with the Colorado Division of Gaming, which ultimately decided not to pursue that course, stating in the CNBC story that it had "never considered" allowing it.1 It also included registering with the Indiana Gaming Commission as part of WWE's effort.1
A Sportico article in 2023 included a quote from New Hampshire Lottery Commission head Charlie McIntyre: "It is very unlikely that New Hampshire would consider the WWE suitable content for sports betting."2 He explained his fear was about accepting bets on anything "that is perceived to have an outcome that is not based upon performance, but is based upon scripted or engineered efforts."2
What New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania Show
And Pennsylvania legalized sports wagering in 2017, with retail betting starting in 2018 and online launch in 2019, also regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).3,4,5
Pennsylvania law defines the forms of sports wagering including parlays, over-under, moneylines, pools and other bet types that are permissible.6 Pennsylvania does not specifically name WWE or pro wrestling as outlawed in its statute or regulations, merely defining sports wagering as concerning sports.6
A 2024 Bookies report specifically mentioned that wagering on WrestleMania 40 or any pro wrestling event was not allowed in the 38 states and Washington, D.C. where sports betting exists, including New Jersey, Nevada and Pennsylvania.7
What Regulators Have Actually Said
While “sports betting is legal in X state” sounds like WWE would be fair game there, that's not the case. The sport must be defined as permissible in that state, which may still preempt pro wrestling.
The same 2023 CNBC story gave the Colorado Division of Gaming's stance: it had never considered allowing wagers on scripted entertainment outcomes, including from WWE.1 The Sportico article quoted New Hampshire Lottery Commission head McIntyre: "It is very unlikely that New Hampshire would consider the WWE suitable content for sports betting."2 McIntyre continued, "It is a fear of accepting wagers on any event that is perceived to have an outcome that is not based upon performance, but is based upon scripted or engineered efforts."2
Where the Betting Line has been Drawn
Standard sports wagering is differentiated from betting on scripted entertainment — the allowable split between the two is tightly drawn.
Legalized Pennsylvania sports wagering does not specifically name wrestler as a permitted or banned sport.
In its 2024 article on WrestleMania 40 wagering, Bookies was at pains to note that wagering on pro wrestling events, including WWE's marquee WrestleMania, was not allowed in 38 states and Washington, D.C..8
The Practical Takeaway for Fans
Looking for an opportunity to bet on WWE events? This is what is permitted in the regulated U.S. sports betting markets:
Legitimate, state-controlled sportsbooks do not offer wagers on WWE match outcomes. But they may offer certain novel betting propositions.
sportsbook definition, only a provider-specific promotion; if a WWE pick promoted is part of it, you may bet. Check for those.
The Regulator's Line
The answer to the question is that WWE betting is not broadly accepted in regulated sportsbook markets because scripted outcomes are considered a disqualification for standard sports wagering. While areas like free-to-play promotions or approved novelty propositions may be allowed, in the main, you will not find WWE matches included in the regulated sportsbook events you can bet.
This explanation was not meant as sports betting advice. It was an overview of the legal status of WWE betting in the U.S.