Official betting is a great way to wager on sporting events without having to leave the comfort of your own home. It’s available at a number of online sportsbooks and is governed by state laws.

There are a few key rules that sports bettors must understand when betting on official events. These rules vary by sport but are similar across the board.

The following rules will help you make informed decisions when betting on official events at online sportsbooks:

Over/Under Bets

These bets are wagers on whether or not the total combined runs in a game will go over or under a line set by the sportsbook. During a game, the odds shift so it’s important to know when to bet on them.

Moneyline Betting

A moneyline bet is a pick of a team to win regardless of the score differential. These bets are especially popular during football season, with teams playing multiple games in one day.

Live in Game Betting

When betting on games that are being broadcast live, you must follow the same rules as pregame betting. In addition, any extra-inning outcomes count toward the results.

Correlated Plays

When there is a correlated play, the outcome of the event or match is determined by factors outside of the control of the betting bettor. This includes the use of inside information, bribes or a player’s performance on the field.

If Bets

There are several types of if bets, including first to X-based props and a player’s starting lineup. These bets are a fun way to place wagers on games you want to watch but aren’t able to watch live.