Official betting is a type of online gambling where you bet on the outcome of a sporting event with an authorised bookmaker. It is regulated and legal in most countries. However, there are many states that have banned or restricted betting on sports. Some of these states include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, New York and Pennsylvania. In addition, some states have restrictions on college player props and wagering on certain team lines. Some also require ties to retail locations, such as casinos and horse tracks. These direct ties are essential to the legitimacy of an online betting site, as they provide players with additional means to seek help if they have issues. These ties also give bettors the opportunity to deposit and withdraw cash in person, which can be helpful in some situations.