Official betting is a type of sports wagering that takes place at licensed sportsbooks in legal states. These sites pass a rigorous approval process to receive the state’s license, which allows them to open their doors and accept bets.

Bettors can place bets on all major professional sports. These include soccer, basketball, baseball and hockey.

There are many different types of bets, including moneyline, spread and parlays. These bets are made on an outcome of a game and the odds change in real-time based on how much money is placed on the winning team.

One of the biggest problems with betting on football is that it can be difficult to know when a game has already been called. This can cause bettors to cash out their bets before the actual outcome of a match has been announced.

Another issue with official betting is that it can be a costly way to bet on a game. For example, if you bet on a team to win by nine points and they go on to lose the game, you’ll have to pay back your stake.

The legality of official betting in the US has become a topic of much debate over the years, with a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 opening up more states to legalize the practice. But it’s important to note that there are still many laws and restrictions that govern the industry. These rules are designed to protect both the public and the sportsbook operators.