Official betting is the regulated form of sports wagering that takes place in states where it is legal. It involves placing bets on real-time events, and it’s a great way to add more excitement to your viewing experience.

There are a wide variety of wager types to choose from, including moneylines, spreads and parlays. There are also player prop bets, which allow you to have a vested interest in more specific outcomes, like how many points a certain player will score. There are even futures bets, which involve predicting the winner of a competition or tournament.

It is important to research each sportsbook before you decide to deposit any money. Checking user reviews is a good idea, but don’t take them as gospel. Everyone has a different opinion and what one person thinks is a bad sportsbook may be perfect for another person. Also, look at the betting menu and make sure the sports you’re interested in are available.

If you’re a fan of baseball, it’s a good idea to track the initial odds on games and then watch how they change as the tip-off draws near. The MLB is known for having huge swings in the over/under lines, so tracking these early odds can be a great way to find value on a game. However, there are some restrictions on where you can place bets on MLB-related wagers. This includes Super Bowl squares, NCAA tournament brackets and fantasy baseball.