Official betting is wagering on a sports event with odds that have been certified by an official bookmaker or regulator. This includes moneylines, spreads and parlays. There are also prop bets, which allow you to have a vested interest in more specific outcomes, such as how many points a particular player will score.
Legal sports betting debuted in New Hampshire in December 2019 after the state Legislature approved it earlier in the year. The launch included retail and online betting, with DraftKings operating the online option while FanDuel, BetRivers and bwin operate the retail sportsbooks. The District of Columbia launched its first sportsbook in 2021, a few months after the Supreme Court ruling. GambetDC, a product of the District of Columbia lottery, offers a number of sportsbooks and is available as an app or in-person.
The NFL has beefed up its security and is collaborating with sportsbooks and integrity monitors to catch offenders. Anyone found to have violated the league’s gambling policy faces a fine, suspension or ban. In addition, if an NFL player or coach is caught trying to fix a game by offering or accepting a bribe, they will be permanently banned from the sport.
The NHL has stayed neutral on the issue of legal sports betting, though many of its teams are located in states where it is available. The Vegas Golden Knights, for example, have a sponsorship deal with William Hill and have access to data on betting action. The NHL also uses this information to help improve its own odds on games and create more compelling lines.
