When it comes to betting on sports, official bets are a great way to increase the excitement of the game. These bets can be placed through the league offices, or they can be made at sportsbooks located in the stadiums where the teams play. The NHL, for example, has partnered with William Hill to offer wagers on its games. This is a move that has been well-received by many players, as the league has been trying to keep gambling off its games.

There are currently 36 states in the United States that have legalized sports betting, and there are dozens of others that are working to get on board. However, 14 states still have no sports betting whatsoever. This is a problem because it denies millions of Americans the ability to enjoy this growing industry and watch their favorite teams compete.

While professional sports leagues are embracing betting, it is important to remember that betting can be illegal in certain situations. In fact, there are a number of rules that must be followed to avoid breaking any laws. Some of these include:

The first state to legalize sports betting was Colorado, which launched in 2021. It allows residents to place bets online and in person, although wagers on collegiate games are prohibited. The state also prohibits player prop bets. There are a few exceptions, however. Anyone involved with a national baseball or softball team can bet on any MLB game, while an individual associated with club clubs at the lower levels of men’s and women’s soccer is allowed to wager on any WBSC event.