Official betting is the wagering of winnings on sports events that are sanctioned by a governing body. These events include major league baseball, professional football, soccer, hockey and horse racing.

There are a number of different types of official bets, including money lines, totals and run lines. Unlike totalizators (which are flexible rate bets), these bets are paid out according to the amount of money placed on each outcome, taking into account the return rate of the bookmaker offering the bet.

MLB has a strong commitment to responsible gambling. The league partners with the American Gaming Association and the National Council on Problem Gambling to educate fans on the risks of betting. In addition, the league has launched a public service campaign called Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly, which educates fans on the risks of gambling and encourages them to bet responsibly.

Sports betting laws vary across the United States. Some states allow only online betting, while others permit betting on land-based casinos and sports books. Some states have a specific set of rules that apply to all sports betting, while others have specific rules for football, basketball, baseball and other games.

The most popular sports in the United States are football and basketball. There are also plenty of options for betting on horse racing and dog races.

If you are interested in legal sports betting, the state of Massachusetts is a great place to start. The state has recently passed a bill that allows anyone over 21 to place wagers on a variety of sports.