Official betting is an essential part of any sportsbook’s wagering product. It helps provide a more accurate betting experience and ensure that ticket scores are comparable between operators. In addition, it also helps to protect against the use of inside information that could be used for betting purposes.

Legalities

While many states have allowed sports betting since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, many others remain opposed to the industry. These stances are largely due to anti-gambling sentiments of the past, although the industry has gained momentum in recent years. In addition, state legislatures have been increasingly interested in legalizing sports betting as a means of boosting their economy and attracting tourists.

Legislation is underway in several states, including Kentucky and Iowa. These laws legalized wagering on pro and college games in September of 2019.

Mississippi began offering wagering on collegiate sports in August 2018. Minnesota passed legislation to legalize sports betting in 2022, but a launch date has not been set.

Massachusetts launched sports betting in January of 2023 at three in-person locations. Mobile sports betting was also approved in 2022, but a launch date is still unknown.

Tennessee became the first state to require the use of official league data for live in-play wagers in May of 2019. The law is referred to as a “tiered approach.” This requires that all to-be licensed sportsbooks purchase only official league data for tier 1 sports wagers.

The law prohibits sportsbooks from selling or distributing biometric information to third parties without the consent of an athlete’s players’ association. This includes data such as biometric fingerprints and retinal scans.