Official betting is the act of placing a wager on a specific sporting event. These wagers are accepted by sportsbooks and can be placed online or in person. The rules of official betting are established by the sportsbook operator and can include a minimum age, maximum amount to be wagered, and other terms. These rules are designed to protect the integrity of the game and prevent match-fixing.

The ICC’s code of conduct bans anyone associated with a WBSC tournament or competition from seeking, offering, or accepting a bribe to fix a match. It also bars people from using inside information they could reasonably believe will be used for betting purposes. The prohibition is a legacy of the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, in which professional gambler Joseph Sullivan paid eight White Sox players to lose the World Series. In addition to being permanently banned from baseball, the players were barred from the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Getting started with sports betting can be confusing. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most commonly used terms and phrases.

Maryland sports bettors now have access to a number of different sportsbooks, including DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, and BetRivers. Each offers its own unique experience, with each featuring its own mobile apps and weekly promotions. BetRivers, for example, offers new customers a $500 2nd chance bonus bet. Those who sign up with this promotion can make their first bet up to $500 and will have it refunded if they don’t win.