What Is Official Betting?

Official betting is wagering on a sports event, typically for money. It is a form of gambling that is regulated but not criminalized and can provide a fun way to add a little extra excitement to your viewing experience.

There are many types of sports bets to choose from, including moneylines, spreads and parlays. Some sportsbooks even offer prop bets, which are more specific outcomes like how many points a player will score.

Totals & Odds

In total bets, you bet whether the number of combined runs in a game will go over or under a specified line set by the book. These bets are most commonly made in the first half or quarter of a game, but can also be placed during live in-game betting.

If the game goes into extra innings, all runs scored count toward the total. These bets are subject to the same rules as pregame totals, and void in the event of a delay or cancellation.

Dime lines are slowly fading away as sportsbooks look to make more profit during what is traditionally the slowest betting season. These lines change constantly, and you should check the line on your ticket to be sure that it is correct.

NFL playoff betting is a unique opportunity to place a bet on the team that will win each of the four first-round Wild Card games and earn a spot in the Divisional round. It works in a similar way to a traditional parlay, but it’s more structured and requires an understanding of the playoffs.