Official betting refers to sports gambling that is sanctioned by the governing body of the sport. This includes traditional bookmakers, online sportsbooks and mobile apps. The governing body typically works with the major sportsbooks to create betting markets and limit maximum bet amounts. It also monitors betting patterns and conducts educational campaigns to help athletes make responsible choices when placing bets.
The NBA has expanded its partnerships, making DraftKings and FanDuel co-official NBA sports betting partners for 2022. Both companies will have extensive rights to integrate NBA data and content, as well as NBA marks and logos. They will also collaborate on best-in-class practices to protect the integrity of NBA games.
New Jersey has led the way with legal sports betting. Retail and online sportsbooks launched in November 2018, with PlaySugarHouse, FanDuel, and BetRivers among the early options. New Jersey has since passed legislation to expand legal sports betting and has an active licensing program.
The UIGEA prohibits online sports betting in many states, and New Jersey is still struggling with federal challenges. However, the state is working to change that by partnering with industry leaders to develop a model for regulated, legal sports gambling.
The National Hockey League is smaller than the NFL and NBA, but it has a loyal following and offers a variety of betting options. Interest is high around opening day and continues to grow throughout the regular season and playoffs. Interested bettors can place wagers on individual game outcomes, moneylines, and props. The NHL hasn’t taken a public position on legalized sports betting, but it has forged sponsorships with bookmakers and signed deals to provide access to betting data.