When it comes to betting on sports, there are a lot of options. You can make your wagers online or in-person at a land-based book, and there are even some mobile apps that allow you to place bets in real time. But navigating the world of official betting can be tricky for newcomers. This article will explain the basics of sports betting and how to make your wagers as safely as possible.

The Supreme Court overturned a federal ban on sports gambling in 2018, opening the door for states to legalize the activity. Since then, 31 have done so. Ohio will join them in 2023, and sports betting is expected to be available at brick-and-mortar locations such as the one at MGM Northfield Park and at gaming kiosks and bars that offer lottery or other forms of gambling. It will also be available via online sports gaming sites such as DraftKings and Caesars.

New Jersey was among the first to roll out sports betting after the Supreme Court ruling, and retail and online betting went live in 2019 with DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, BetRivers, and Caesars all joining the list of betting options. The state is now working to expand its footprint to include more retail and online sportsbooks, including those operated by other operators.

Iowa was another early adopter, launching in 2019 with retail and online sports betting options that began with the launch of the sportsbook app from DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet in August. In addition, the state’s sportsbook compact with tribal casinos opened the door for additional betting options.