Official betting has been a hotly-debated topic since the Supreme Court ruled to lift the federal ban in May. And while it has changed the sports betting experience for many fans and “sharps,” as more experienced bettors are known, there are some aspects of the market that are not yet well understood by players or casual fans.
In this article, we look at some of the rules and regulations related to official betting. We also discuss some of the most popular types of bets that are available to fans and bettors, as well as some of the factors that influence odds.
The NFL is one of the largest and most well-established sports leagues in the world, but that doesn’t mean the players and coaches are safe from gambling allegations. In fact, there are numerous examples of players and team employees being accused of illegal betting activity.
NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from placing a wager on pro, college and amateur sports. The league says this is a violation of their collective bargaining agreement and can impact eligibility.
Massachusetts law permits 15 online sportsbooks, with eight open to competitive bidding and seven tied to a land-based partner (casino or racetrack). The state has no advertising ban but it requires “21 and over” language on all standalone sportsbook apps.
Players and other team and league employees are banned from betting on NHL games. The rule is in the collective bargaining agreement and posted in every dressing room around the league. They are also prohibited from seeking, offering or accepting a bribe for match-fixing, and from providing inside information that could reasonably be used for betting purposes.