Official betting is a type of sports wager that utilizes data provided by a sports league. Initially, the major sports leagues opposed legalized sports gambling because they feared it would undermine the integrity of their games. However, after SCOTUS struck down PASPA, the leagues reversed their stance and began actively working with sportsbooks. The NHL, for example, was the first to establish a presence in Nevada. It has also signed sponsorships with William Hill and MGM Resort International, and has partnered with a number of other teams in states where sports betting is legal.
In addition to partnering with sportsbooks, the NHL has also been proactive in monitoring potential integrity issues. Specifically, the league is able to track player and team performance in real-time using proprietary statistical data. Using this information, the NHL can alert the sportsbooks to possible irregularities and quickly identify potential problem areas. This information is then analyzed and reviewed by the sportsbook’s integrity department. If an issue is found, the team could be placed on a self-exclusion list.
If a player or employee engages in an activity that violates the NBA’s betting rules, they face a three-year ban. This includes placing a wager on the outcome of a game or offering an incentive to another team or athlete to lose. The NBA will monitor betting activity and work with independent integrity monitors to detect these violations. Additionally, postseason officials are screened for betting or gambling-related issues, and any criminal charges or convictions that relate to these activities will be flagged.