The Michigan Gaming Control Board said in a statement it has not held direct communications with officials from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) about offering legal wagering in Michigan on its events.
The statement comes in the wake of reports that the WWE is working with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young to potentially help create such markets in states with legal wagering.
The wagering would be similar to wagering which is currently allowed in Michigan and other states on awards shows, such as this upcoming weekend’s Academy Awards, and voting for that event is overseen by Ernst & Young.
A CNBC story reported Ernst & Young would secure match results so they are not known to the public, and that the WWE creative team would not inform its wrestlers and other talent who would win matches until hours before the scheduled event.
“Any request for inclusion in Michigan’s Sports Wagering Catalog must be submitted to the MGCB by a Michigan-licensed operator or platform provider, and the agency has not received a formal request regarding WWE events wagering,” Henry Williams, MGCB executive director said in a statement.
“The WWE should work with the gaming industry if it wishes to bring a proposal before the MGCB.”
A third-party consultant approached the MGCB more than a year ago about a proposal to add WWE events to Michigan’s wagering catalog, but the agency has received no further information.
The MGCB receives catalog requests only from licensed sportsbook operators.
The Sports Wagering Catalog provides guidance and lists leagues, events and wagers allowed in Michigan. When the catalog is updated, it is shared publicly on the MGCB’s website and with sportsbook operators.
