Betting on events when the outcome is already known isn’t a foreign concept. You can bet on this Sunday’s Academy Awards.

But a live and scripted sports event?

WWE is in talks with state gambling regulators in Colorado and Michigan to legalize betting on matches, CNBC reports, citing people familiar with the matter.

According to the report, WWE is working with Ernst & Young, an accounting firm, to secure match results. The goal is to prove results won’t be leaked.

Ernst & Young has worked with the Academy Awards, and CNBC reports WWE executives have cited Oscars betting as a template.

Per CNBC:

“Still, while Academy Awards voting results are known by a select few before they’re announced publicly, they aren’t scripted by writers. Even if regulators allow gambling, betting companies would have to decide if they’re willing to place odds on WWE matches even if it’s legalized. Those discussions have yet to occur at betting firms, according to people familiar with the matter.”

WWE is currently for sale, and former CEO Vince McMahon returned to the company in January after sexual misconduct allegations initially led to his exit in 2022.

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.