In addition to betting limits, sportsbooks must provide official data in order to accept live in-game wagers. The term “official league data” refers to statistics, results, outcomes and other data pertaining to a professional sport event obtained by a permit holder under an agreement with a sports governing body or with an entity expressly authorized by a sports governing body for the purpose of determining the outcome of Tier 2 bets.

The data is used to determine the odds of a particular bet. This information is constantly changing as events unfold, and the money line you see when you place your bet may not be the same one you receive when you check out. Unless indicated otherwise, the odds are listed in decimal form. The decimal odds are the number of points a favorite is expected to win by, and the total is the total goals scored in the game (over/under).

To bet correctly, you need to know everything you can about both teams. This means watching a lot of game film, scouting players and coaches for their tendencies, strengths, weaknesses and reading local team beat reporters. Pro bettors also have a clear-headed mindset. They separate their fandom from the decision-making process, which is critical to success.

Individuals associated with clubs at lower levels of the men’s or women’s league system, plus match officials at FA Level 4 and below, are banned from betting on any event in which they participate or can influence. They are also prohibited from seeking, offering or accepting a bribe to fix any match or event in which they participate.