Official betting is the process of placing a wager on a sporting event. This can be done through a sportsbook, which is an establishment that accepts bets on various events and is licensed to operate by a state’s gaming authority. Sportsbooks can be physical locations that offer in-person betting or online/mobile platforms.
After a Supreme Court ruling that threw open the door for sports betting, the NFL jumped right in and has since partnered with DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars Entertainment to offer bets on everything from how many yards a quarterback will throw for in a game to which team scores first. The league also increased its in-house technology, dedicated security personnel to the space and teamed up with sportsbooks and integrity firms to create a network that monitors betting and flags improper bettors.
The NHL bans players and those who work for a team or the league from gambling on NHL games. However, they are allowed to place bets on non-NHL events if they’re legal in their state. The league also has an e-learning module that educates current and prospective student-athletes on problem gambling harms, the risks of sports betting and the impact it can have on integrity.
All postseason officials are screened for integrity issues related to gambling and sports betting. A negative finding leads to a one-year suspension. Additionally, a player can be banned for three years if he or she intentionally tanks a game on purpose.