Official betting is a form of legal sports wagering that takes place at an authorized, licensed bookmaker. The process involves placing a bet on an outcome of a game or event, and winning money if your pick is correct. You can make individual bets on specific outcomes, or combine them into one bet called a parlay. It’s important to remember that there are many ways to bet on sports, and some of them may violate the rules.
The NFL has a strict gambling policy. The league says that any member of its team or league staff “may not place a bet on a professional football game, event, or contest at any time, either within or outside of its facilities, whether in person or by phone.” The NBA has a similar rule. The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement prohibits players and team or league employees from placing bets on any WBSC event, including any multisport competition in which the player is participating.
The MLB’s rules are a little more flexible. Its players can bet on non-MLB events, but they can’t do so from the team’s facilities or while on the road with the team. It also bars them from betting on any MLB-related event, like a home run derby or the playoff odds. This includes even betting on NCAA tournament brackets or fantasy baseball games, though it doesn’t extend to Super Bowl squares or other non-MLB betting pools. In addition, MLB employees are subject to a postseason screening that includes a review of criminal charges or convictions involving gambling or sports wagering.