Sports betting is a rapidly growing industry and one that has become an integral part of the American sports landscape. The Supreme Court overturned federal prohibition on the practice in 2018, paving the way for states to regulate it as they see fit. Since then, a number of states have launched regulated sportsbooks, with each state establishing different rules and guidelines for the industry.

Official betting is an important step in the fight against illegal sports gambling and helps protect the integrity of the games. The NFL has bolstered its technology and dedicated security personnel to the issue, while also partnering with sportsbook operators and integrity firms that monitor wagering activity. These relationships have given the league much greater visibility into what bettors are doing, where they’re placing bets and who is winning or losing.

The NHL has a clear policy on betting, which states that players and those working for a team or the league are not allowed to place bets on NHL games. This is reflected in the collective bargaining agreement and posted in all dressing rooms. Those in violation are subject to a variety of penalties, including a three-year ban from the league.

The Nutmeg State became the first to offer legal sports betting after the Supreme Court ruling, with several online and retail locations. In-state betting on professional and collegiate teams is available, but player prop bets are prohibited. California is preparing for a November vote on two competing sports betting initiatives, one for online wagering backed by DraftKings and FanDuel, and another for in-person betting backed by tribes.