In an effort to protect its brand, the NFL beefed up its in-house technology and partnered with integrity firms to create a network that monitors betting markets and flags improper bets. The league also has added security personnel to its team facilities and a dedicated staff to investigate alleged betting violations. In addition, teams and agents now face fines for placing bets on their players.
Legal sports betting launched in 2021 in New Hampshire, and the state is set to launch mobile sportsbooks next year. New Hampshire has a six-year deal with DraftKings to operate the online and mobile sportsbooks. Betting on pro and college sports will be permitted. However, betting on collegiate game outcomes or player prop bets will not be allowed.
Colorado legalized sports betting in 2019 and multiple operators began accepting bets in May of that year. The only restriction on collegiate games is that betting on in-state college teams is prohibited. Other than that, bettors can place wagers on any game, including those played by in-state college teams, as long as they are playing in a tournament or regular season game outside of their home stadium.
A number of states have legalized sports betting in recent years, with Nevada and New Jersey leading the way. In fact, the former has more than doubled its market share since launching in 2022. Several other states have voted to legalize sports betting, but some of those initiatives are still in the early stages.
California voters rejected two propositions on November 2022’s ballot that would have legalized in-person and online sports gambling, breaking spending records in the process. However, it’s possible the topic could be revived in 2023.
The first official sportsbook in the state launched in July of 2021, and the first legal online sportsbook opened in February of 2022. The sportsbook accepts bets on all pro and collegiate events, except for in-state collegiate teams. It also offers bets on the total number of points scored during a game, which is commonly referred to as the “OVER/UNDER” line.
Those who want to make a bet on the total must calculate the number of runs scored in a game. Then, they must compare that total to the OVER/UNDER line at the time of their bet. Generally, the higher the total is, the less likely it is that the bettors will win. The odds for the total change constantly, and the money line in effect at the time of your bet is your official odds. In some cases, the total can be changed in real-time, which is why it’s important to check back frequently. Also, be aware that a game may end in overtime, which can change the total. This will be noted on the betting board. The OVER/UNDER will be adjusted accordingly.