Official betting is a form of sports wagering that involves real-time events and is regulated by states. It is usually offered at licensed sportsbooks and can lead to large winnings. Official betting is a popular alternative to illegal gambling, and many professional athletes and teams use it to generate revenue.

Sportsbooks take bets on a wide variety of sporting events, including major league and college sports. In addition to traditional bets on games, sportsbooks also offer prop bets, which are bets on specific aspects of a game, such as the total number of points scored or whether a team will win a particular quarter. These bets can add a new dimension to sports wagering and increase the excitement of watching a game.

While the majority of sports betting is done online, some people still prefer to place bets in person. This is especially common in Las Vegas, where a number of sportsbooks are located. However, betting in-person is becoming less and less popular with the rise of online gambling.

Regardless of where sports gambling takes place, it is important to know the rules and regulations. Some states require sportsbooks to have licenses, and they often collaborate with state regulators to ensure compliance. Some states, such as Kentucky, even have their own sportsbooks that are operated by the state lottery.

In order to become an official, a sportsbook must verify the identity of its customers through KYC (know your customer) policies. This process involves a thorough background check, which includes criminal charges or convictions related to gambling or sports wagering. Those with a history of these crimes are flagged and may be ineligible for official duties. In addition, officials are required to pass an annual screening that consists of a cognitive test and physical examination.

Professional leagues are working to integrate sports betting into their operations. The NHL, for example, has a sponsorship deal with a leading sportsbook and offers in-game data to enhance the experience for bettors. The NFL and NBA, on the other hand, have no public positions on legal sports betting and are not preventing their players from placing bets.

In baseball, the rules against gambling are well-documented. Those who violate the code face a range of sanctions, from a one-year ban to permanent ineligibility from the game. They are also barred from entering the Baseball Hall of Fame. The league collaborates with regulators, sportsbooks, and independent integrity monitors to catch violators. In addition, a player who tries to fix a game faces a lifetime ban from the sport.