Official betting is a way for sports fans to place wagers directly with an operator. Unlike unofficial betting, which is typically done via offshore sites, official bets are regulated and licensed by state gaming commissions. This helps to ensure that all bets are accounted for and that the odds offered are fair.
Using an official sportsbook will also help to protect your money and personal information. The best sportsbooks will have a strong customer support team that can answer your questions and concerns, as well as a secure and encrypted website. Lastly, it’s important to research each site before placing your bet. Look for reviews from other customers, but don’t take them as gospel; what one person may see as a negative, another might view as positive.
Bets are available on a variety of events, including moneylines, spreads and parlays. In addition, bettors can place bets on specific player and team props, which are more difficult to predict and offer higher payouts.
In the past, several NFL players have been suspended for allegedly placing bets on their own games. Athletes are prohibited from placing bets on their own teams while at team or league facilities, but they are allowed to gamble on non-NFL events.
While the NHL hasn’t officially taken a stand on legal sports gambling, it has been supportive of teams in markets that have legalized it. It has also signed sponsorship agreements with bookmakers, including William Hill.