As regulated online sports betting continues to grow in popularity, dedicated bettors are looking for the best sites and apps that offer official betting. To ensure that bets are settled correctly, it’s important to understand how a sportsbook determines whether or not a market is official.

Over/Under (total) Markets

These bets are wagers on the number of combined runs scored in a game. Over/Under bets are settled when the total amount of runs scored goes over or under a line that the sportsbook sets. Runs scored in extra innings count toward a game’s over/under total.

7 inning games – 6.5 innings rule – For bets on Run Line and Total Runs markets to have action, the game must go at least seven full innings (or 8.5 if home team is winning). In the case of a shortened or suspended game, the highest scoring inning will be settled as winner (dead heat rules apply).

Player Props – These bets are settled based on the statistics provided by the league’s official statistical provider. Stats that are subsequently updated after the bet is placed will not result in a re-settlement.

Almost all regulated US sportsbooks have ties to physical locations, including casinos and racetracks, that allow players to make cash transactions. This helps legitimize the industry and also gives fans the ability to seek help if they are having trouble with their account. Despite this, some states have yet to allow in-state retail sportsbooks to open.