What Is Official Betting?

Official betting is a form of gambling in professional sports that allows bettors to wager directly with the team or league they are interested in. This is a popular option in many states and helps to ensure the integrity of each game, as well as provide bettors with a safe and secure environment.

A sports governing body may authorize a permit holder to use official league data for purposes of determining the results of tier 2 bets. “Official league data” means statistics, results, outcomes, and other information relating to a professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey, or soccer event, or an outdoor motor sports facility that hosts a National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) national touring race.

Those with a passion for horse races should also keep an eye on morning lines, which are released by a racetrack before a race day and give bettors an idea of where odds are heading. The odds are influenced by the amount of money that is placed on each horse and are often lower than expected.

The legality of betting on sports is growing across the US, with states enacting laws to allow it in regulated markets. Several major sports have already signed deals with regulated bookmakers to promote their brands and attract new bettors. Some have even made their betting options available online and on mobile devices. Those who are interested in making wagers on their favorite team should familiarize themselves with the rules of each state before they place their bets.