WWE reportedly is currently in talks with gambling regulators in the states of Colorado and Michigan over their attempts to get legalized betting approved for WWE matches in those states, according to CNBC.
It was reported that WWE recently hired the services of accounting firm Ernest & Young in order to secure match results and demonstrate to state regulators that there is no chance of these results being leaked to the public beforehand. This firm reportedly has worked with The Emmys and Academy Awards to help keep their award winners results from leaking to the public before the airing of their events.
As part of their talks, WWE reportedly has cited awards shows as their example of how gambling can be safely done for pre-determined events. Both Colorado and Michigan currently allow legalized betting for The Academy Awards and similar events, along with Louisiana, New Jersey, and Indiana.
It was also reported that WWE is currently prepared to go at great lengths to secure match results if approved for legalized betting. WWE officials reportedly have proposed plans to “lock in” match results months ahead of time and wrestlers would only be informed shortly before their matches take place.
In an update earlier today, CNBC reported that WWE is also currently in talks with the state of Indiana for legalized betting on WWE matches as well. It was reported that the Colorado Division of Gaming currently is not considering the idea of legalizing betting for WWE matches due to a current stature in state law that prohibits gambling on predetermined contests, including awards shows.