Wyoming Grants Approval for Gambling on Power Slap Matches, Making It the Forefront State for Such Activities
Slaps, smacks, and soon-to-be bets - that's the story of Power Slap, the latest addition to Dana White's UFC realm. This offshoot, where competitors slap each other with all their might, has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy since its inception.
Human fists have been flyin' for centuries, but it was Will Smith's infamous slap on Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars that sent shockwaves through the cultural spectrum. Standing at an impressive 6'2", Smith might not be small, but his Oscars attack did little harm. Power Slap combatants, on the other hand, pack a punch that leaves opponents dazed and confused.
This slapping league has drawn a mixed response, with critics ranging from professional fighters and concussion experts to even celebrity chefs. commenting on the dangerous nature of the sport. Jose Andre, a renowned chef, expressed his concern, simply put, "This is everything bad about a hit."
White, UFC's pioneer, has weathered storms of low approval ratings before. Comparing Power Slap to his long-standing UFC, he shrugged off the naysayers, stating, "I heard all this s*it 20 years ago."
In Wyoming, where the first state-approved wagering on Power Slap took place, authorities see no issue. David Carpenter, the state's sports wagering approver, is on a mission to find "markets for everyone." His approach? Simply ensuring the events' integrity and staying well away from politics.
In the world of controversial sports, Power Slap faces an uphill battle for approval in various states. Given the growing acceptance of sports betting in the U.S, it won't be a surprise if Power Slap makes its way onto more legal sports betting menus as it prepares for its first live pay-per-view event on March 11 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. With the green light in Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Oregon, and Wyoming, as well as Ontario, the race seems to be on. Matt Holt, founder of USI, the organization responsible for ensuring the integrity of events, expects a wave of operators wanting to bet on Power Slap with the Super Bowl over. It's a new era for combat sports, and the fight for acceptance is on!
- Bookmakers in Wyoming have taken the initial steps into the world of Power Slap, creating new lines for wagering on this controversial sport.
- Despite the concerns raised by neuroscientists and others, the slapping league's proponents, such as UFC's Dana White, argue that it's just another form of sports betting, comparable to traditional combat sports.
- In the sports betting marketplace, Power Slap's surprising potential for growth is becoming increasingly apparent, with operators like USI expected to take advantage of the interest generated by the first live pay-per-view event.
- Amidst the ongoing debate about the dangers of Power Slap, some bookmakers see the sport's rough-and-tumble nature as a slope that could lead to lucrative wagers, especially in states where it is gaining legal approval.
- As Power Slap moves forward with its first pay-per-view event, the question of whether this neuroscientifically questionable sport can succeed in the world of sports betting remains a topic of great interest and speculation.
