Official betting is a bet based on statistics, results and other information provided by the governing body of a sport. In the US, legal sportsbooks use official data to accept wagers on teams and individual players. But the use of official data has been a point of contention in recent years as regulators consider sports betting laws. The fight over official data is one of many facets of the evolving legal sports betting industry.

In the wake of PASPA’s overturn, leagues have become primary stakeholders in shaping state and federal sports betting policy, with their goals extending beyond mere profit to a role as protector of the integrity of the game. This goal has been realized through a variety of means, including lobbying for official data mandates. Mandates like those in Illinois and Tennessee impose restrictions on the purchase of official data. The American Gaming Association supports private commercial agreements with leagues for official data but opposes legislative mandates.

For Props involving statistical totals, the game must be official on the moneyline for wagers to have action (unless the total has already been reached in a pre-live format). For Player Props, a player must throw at least one pitch or record at least one plate appearance for the bet to have action. For Head to Head Player Props, the player(s) must be in the starting lineup for the bet to have action.

Sportsbooks are required to notify customers of any changes in rules or odds before accepting a bet. Bettors must be aware of these changes before placing a wager to ensure they are getting the best possible odds and maximizing their chances of winning.