No, this is not a joke. Yes, Florida did declare WWE as an essential service during the coronavirus pandemic. This means that you will probably be able to offer WWE in your sportsbook. Most of what the whole world considers as essential services are medical-related services. Then, of course, groceries, utilities, and so on. But according to Mayor Jerry Demings, the World Wresting Entertainment (WWE), is essential. Initially, this was not the classification of the sport. But after discussions with other state politicians, the business was declared essential.
WWE in Your Sportsbook – But Why?
Of course, one must not look a gift horse in the mouth. But it does raise a few eyebrows when you see the likes of wrestlers being classified as essential next to a nurse, or a police officer. The biggest clue on why this is happening, is that the WWE runs a large training facility. In addition, they hold a lot of events in Florida. And of course, connections.
Governor DeSantis issued an executive order starting April 3, which instructs people to stay home- only those part of essential services can go out. However, in April 9, Jared Moskowitz, the states Division of Emergency Management, released a memo. This memo adds this particular industry as an essential service. These are employees at professional sports and media production with a national audience, provided that the location is closed to the general public.
This memo sounds like a good thing for those with sportsbook software running out of lines to offer. But again, safety issues are arising, especially with a sport that includes two or more individuals getting pretty physical. Sports leagues that have less physical contact are even postponing their seasons to protect their players and staff.
Ironically, the WWE also acknowledges that they do have an employee who is Covid-19 positive. Although he is not one of the performers. The company insists that they will take precautions to ensure the safety of all its staff. Whatever the outcome of this measure will be, make sure that you are ready to create a sportsbook website and prepare your sportsbook for any development in the sports and sports betting industries.