In sports betting, official bets are wagers that must be placed using data provided by a league. The data is often sourced from an exclusive data feed. This data is considered more accurate than unofficial data and thereby offers better odds on certain markets. However, the data can also be more expensive to purchase and requires that operators install dedicated servers to receive it. Some states have included language in their sports betting laws that allows operators to circumvent the requirement if it can be demonstrated that the data is not being made available on commercially reasonable terms. This qualifier may offer a workaround for some licensees, but it does not provide legal clarity as to what commercially reasonable means.
In baseball, there is a longstanding rule against players, umpires and club and league officials betting on games in which they have a duty to perform or supervise. Those found violating the rule are permanently banned from MLB and barred from the Hall of Fame. Joseph Sullivan, who paid eight members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox to fix a World Series game, is arguably the most famous example of such an attempted bribe.
Currently, Kentucky baseball fans can find over 100 different betting markets on each game. These include standard moneylines, run lines and totals. In addition, there are player props, team props and same game parlays. Moreover, these markets are offered at sportsbooks that offer live betting.