Official betting is a term used for wagering on sporting events that have been approved by a state government. It was previously illegal under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), but was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018.
There are now eight states where sports betting is legal: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Some of these states have a limited number of operators and others offer a wide range of betting options.
The rules of official betting are quite complex, so it’s important to understand what they are before you place your bets. Here are some common types of official bets:
Money Lines, Totals & Run Lines
Money lines are the odds on which teams will win or lose the game. The money lines change constantly, so you will want to check them before making a bet.
Betting on total runs is a bit more complicated. To bet on a total, a game must go nine innings, or 8 1/2 if the home team is ahead. The home team must start all listed pitchers, except for the ace or top pitcher.
Dime Lines are slowly fading away, as sports books look to make a bigger profit during the slowest time of the year. This type of bet is a great way to make a large profit if you’re a big fan of the underdog.
Bettors will also find an extensive FAQ section and 24/7 customer service representatives in six languages. They can help you with any questions about the game you’re betting on, and you can ask them to explain how official betting works if you need assistance.