Official betting is the act of placing a wager on a specific outcome of an event. This type of wager can be placed either online or in person at a sportsbook. In some cases, it may also be made over the phone or via email. The odds on an event are set by the bookmaker and can vary from one sportsbook to another. In order to place an official bet, the bettor must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Depending on the sport, there are different betting rules for each event. For example, football (soccer) players and match officials at FA Level 4 or below are banned from betting on any event in which they participate or can influence the result. In baseball, a player who places a bet on a game in which he plays is subject to an MLB rule known as Rule 21. Anyone found in violation of this rule can be permanently banned from Major League Baseball, although most people who have been banned have been reinstated a few years later.
While some states have strict gambling laws, others have more lax regulations. Colorado legalized sports betting in 2022 and now has more than 10 sportsbooks for residents to choose from. The state also allows sports wagering at four separate brick-and-mortar casinos. Arizona has a similar situation to Colorado, but it also offers mobile sports betting and allows bets on in-state professional and collegiate teams. It also has a number of private and tribal casinos, including the famous Foxwoods.