WWE Is Pursuing Legalized Betting On Scripted Matches: Report

Could gambling on wrestling matches become a thing? According to CNBC, Gaming Control Board officials and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) met to discuss the possibility of allowing gamblers to place real money wagers on scripted matches. Specifically, high-profile matches on WWE. They are targeting Michigan, Colorado, and Indiana with the proposal. This would be a first in the U.S. market.

A spokeswoman for the Colorado Division of Gaming told Legal Sports Report, "It has never considered allowing markets on WWE betting." The Michigan Gaming Control Board told the outlet that information is shared publicly through the agency’s website with updates.

The state of Michigan currently allows betting on pre-determined events. That includes 25 markets listed for the Academy Awards in Michigan’s betting catalog. There are no legal U.S. sportsbooks that accept bets on professional wrestling. This is because events are scripted, so some people know the results. However, sports betting companies like Draft Kings have offered free betting pools for WWE Pay-Per-View events with prizes.

Currently, the professional wrestling company is for sale and is seeking a buyer. According to Business Insider, McMahon reportedly wants to sell WWE for at least $9 billion.

"WWE is working with the accounting firm EY (Ernst & Young) to secure scripted match results in hopes it will convince regulators there’s no chance of results leaking to the public," said CNBC’s Alex Sherman. EY has worked with award shows, including the Emmys and Academy Awards to keep their results secret. Betting on those award shows is legal. Reports say the WWE wants a similar setup for a legalized betting system and will ensure that the wrestlers won't know the results of their matches until a few hours before the match takes place.

I'm thinking we should allow betting on the Texter Bracket.

The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida. Fort Myers and Naples have some of the nicest golf courses in the country – the only problem is, to play these, you either need a rich friend who belongs at one of the courses, or you need to part ways with a couple hundred thousand to become a member yourself.

Don’t have either? You’re still in luck!   Southwest Florida has a litany of fun and challenging public courses open year-round to the average bloke. They may not offer the luxury amenities such as iced towels, golf carts outfitted with GPS and speakers, and Pro-V1 range balls, but the beers are just as cold and often times the cart girls are better looking!

I put these courses through a screening process and am basing this on certain criteria – first and foremost, they need to be open year-round for public play. After that, I judged them on: Layout (fun vs challenging), Condition and Amenities, Rates, Cart Girls (when applicable), and of course, the 19th hole. So, text your buddies, wash your balls, and tee up at these local favorites year round.  

These are The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida

Don’t sleep on this muni – affordable rates and easy to score. I am listing this course for the golfers who like to have a good time playing. Pack a few beers, grab a transfusion at the turn, and swing away with no regard! Don’t come here if you’re bougie – but if you enjoy a good buzz and a good time without breaking the bank, San Carlos Golf Club is a great option. 

Eagle Ridge has great rates year round – even during season (October through May). Decent layout and can score if you’re playing well. The are several downsides though - you could easily get stuck behind several slow foursomes, the 19th hole is more reminiscent of a small deli, and if it rains for a few days make sure wear your mud boots as the drainage is poor.    

A hidden gem in Cape Coral. They don’t allow coolers, but not sure that has ever stopped anyone. Not the cheapest during season, but you can find good deals sometimes on golfnow.com  

River Hall is a little hike from Fort Myers or Naples, and that is probably why this course is still public, but if you can make it out there you won’t be disappointed. Great layout, nice amenities, and the course is usually in great shape.  

Once a top 50 Public Golf Course in the Country, Eastwood Golf Course is a staple if you grew up in Fort Myers. This course is one of two public courses owned and maintained by the City of Fort Myers. Next to a nature center and it’s not uncommon to see Bald Eagles, Alligators, and Snakes along the track.  

Shell Point is easily one of the most fun courses on the list. The different tee boxes can make this course very scorable or very challenging. It’s always in great shape, but the problem is…it’s a dry course. I can’t stress this enough – pack your own drinks, if you’re into that kind of thing.  

Old Corkscrew is actually the nicest course on this list, however, the price keeps it at #3. This Jack Nicholas layout and the greens will certainly challenge the best golfers, but will make you feel like a pro if you can shoot a low round. Just watch out for the alligators, seriously…. 

Pretty fun layout on this tract. Not always in the best shape but it’s affordable, fun, has great drinks (thanks to having Duffy’s at the turn), and can be quite challenging if the wind is blowing. A lot of water on this course – starting with the water range. Runner up for best 19th hole also! 

Sure, I’m a little biased because I grew up here and have played Fort Myers 1,000 times – but it never gets old. Some holes were actually redesigned a few years ago (5th Tee Box used to give slicers nightmares). This course has great rates, fun to play (several drivable par 4s), cart girls, and by far the best 19th hole in the area, The Edison! Always a fun time at “The Fort.”