In a move that will have a significant impact on sports betting, the NFL has teamed up with sportsbooks to offer official data powered wagering. It’s the first of its kind in the US, and it could lead to better bets for fans.

The league is using its hefty clout to pressure states that allow sports betting to provide data that enables accurate handicapping. The move is designed to prevent bookmakers from making false bets and harming the integrity of the game. The NBA has a similar program, but it doesn’t involve requiring the use of official data.

It’s a huge shift in the way wagering is done, and it’s being welcomed by state lawmakers who want to regulate the industry. The change also benefits professional leagues, which are looking at new revenue streams and partnerships with sportsbooks. The NFL is in the midst of a major expansion.

Despite the changes, there are still some limits on betting on sports. For instance, NBA players are not allowed to place bets on their own team or its property, but they can participate in other non-NBA-related pools such as Super Bowl squares and NCAA tournament brackets. The league also requires postseason officials to pass a criminal background check that includes questions about gambling and sports betting.

Several states are moving quickly to legalize sports betting in the wake of SCOTUS striking down PASPA. In Ohio, retail sportsbooks launched in November and online sportsbooks rolled out in May. Governor Mike DeWine has signed a bill that makes North Carolina the latest to legalize sports betting, but online NC sportsbooks will not be available until January 2024 at the earliest.