Official betting is legal sports wagering on real-time events regulated by state law and available at licensed sportsbooks. It’s the most popular form of sports gambling, but there are also specialized bets like money lines and props. Aside from moneylines and spreads, bettors can make a variety of ‘if’ bets that let them place bets on specific outcomes such as who will score the first touchdown or how many yards a quarterback will throw for in a game.
The NBA prohibits its players, team and league employees from placing bets on games in which they’re involved or that could have an impact on the outcome of a game. However, if sports betting is legal in the player’s jurisdiction, they can place bets on other teams or non-NBA events as long as they are not inside team facilities or on the road with their team.
In addition to preventing ill-advised bets, the NBA requires its officials to undergo background checks and other preseason screening, which includes a review of any criminal charges or convictions related to gambling or sports betting. This is done to ensure that all in-uniform personnel understand the rules regarding official betting and can respond to any questions from fans or media.
New bettors often struggle with the terminology used in sports betting. To help them out, we’ve put together a handy glossary of key terms that you should know before you start making your bets. From the basics of ‘if’ bets to the more complicated concepts of totals, we’ve got you covered.