Could Wrestling Be the Next Big Fantasy Sports Category?

For years, daily fantasy sports (DFS) have been dominated by football, basketball, hockey, and baseball. Wrestling hasn’t managed to achieve this level of success so far, but what are the signs that the WWE could be the next sport to become a favorite among fantasy sports fans?

The Transition to Locked Scripts

One of the biggest reasons why wrestling has failed to make its mark in the gambling world so far is the scripted nature of fights that makes it unlike most other sports. However, the WWE has taken the first steps towards overcoming this hurdle.

According to reports, the organization has been working with Ernst & Young to create a secure new process where scripts would be locked away months before each fight. This would ensure that even the wrestlers taking part would only find out the result shortly before each contest begins.

The WWE has been working with gambling regulators in Colorado and Michigan to create a process that would make betting on wrestling similar to Oscar betting. However, this would also make it suitable for fantasy sports, with fans able to choose their wrestlers while knowing the outcome will be a closely guarded secret in the build-up.

This explanation of how Price Waterhouse Coopers calculates the Oscars winners and puts their names in sealed envelopes reveals that only two people know the winner’s names before the event. This type of strict process could be applied to wrestling to make betting fair for everyone.

The Addition of Standardized Performance Props

The use of quantifiable performance metrics, such as match duration and the number of near-falls, would add depth to WWE betting beyond simple win-or-loss options. Even if the outcome is scripted in advance, the flow of the fight will include various factors that fantasy sports fans can choose.

Events like table breaks and disqualifications can also come into play, giving wrestling more of an all-action approach than the majority of other sports. Wrestling fans will be looking at more than the simple outcome of each contest, creating a greater depth and more user engagement.

Why Might Wrestling Appeal to Existing DFS Fans?

While it’s easy to see why wrestling fans will be pleased to get a chance to bet on their favorite sport, it’s also worth looking at why people who currently create fantasy teams in other sports might be interested in trying the WWE too. As this sector continues to grow, it’s natural that more sports are added to cater to the wider audience being attracted.

When we look at the sign-up promo details for Betr users, we can see that it currently covers four sports leagues and can be used in over 30 American states. It’s a popular choice even in those states where sports betting isn’t yet legal, giving fans in these places a way of using their sports knowledge legally. New users need to follow a short sign-up process to gain access to their first free bets.

With these other sports all having off-seasons, wrestling’s 52-week calendar could fill the entertainment gap at times when there aren’t any other major events taking place. Wrestling’s position in the sports industry as pure entertainment means that it could become an interesting alternative to football and those other well-established fantasy sports.

Events like the upcoming WrestleMania 42, featuring Rey Mysterio, could be even more attractive to fans when they have placed bets on the outcome. Expect to see more details soon, showing how you can start to bet on these fights.