In the era of legal sports betting, many people are looking to place their wagers online and on mobile devices. One of the most popular ways to make wagers is with official betting, which refers to placing bets on a game based on information provided by a governing body of a particular sport. This type of bet is a staple at many licensed and regulated sportsbooks in the United States, but it has also become a source of contention between sports leagues and the betting industry.
New bettors can find a wide range of official betting options, but they must understand the basic rules before making a bet. This includes understanding the different types of bets and how to place them. Choosing the right sportsbook to play at is another important factor. Sportsbooks are highly regulated, and state regulators have strict licensing regimes to ensure game integrity and consumer safety. This means that sportsbooks that are not licensed and regulated in their home states are considered illegal.
Lastly, bettors must know what to look for when betting on football games. The NFL playoffs offer a unique betting opportunity, and the first-round wild card games have a specific format that bettors should consider.
In addition to betting on professional sports teams, sports bettors can bet on college and international sports. Many states have their own lotteries, which usually sell scratchcard games. These are typically sold in the form of pull-tab or scratch-and-win cards that have opaque areas where a contestant must remove parts to reveal prizes.