Official betting is wagering on events that have been declared by the governing body as official. This includes a game’s final score, total points scored in a game and the winner of a specific event (such as the World Series or pennant). In addition to determining a win or loss, these types of bets determine the settlement of bets placed on them. If a bet is not settled, the bet is considered a push and the original amount bet will be refunded.
The NFL has a number of rules that prohibit sports betting by league employees and team and player personnel. Players are also required to sign a contract statement acknowledging the league’s gambling rules. However, players are allowed to place bets on non-NFL games at legal sportsbooks and online.
NBA team and player personnel are prohibited from placing bets on NBA games, including the NBA summer league, WNBA, G-League or Basketball Africa League. They are also not allowed to place bets on NBA games from any location where they work, whether that be at a team’s headquarters or in an arena where they play.
Sportsbooks offer a variety of bets, including futures and moneylines for specific games. They also offer a wide variety of props, which are bets on individual aspects of a game. Some of these bets require a specific event to be official for bets to pay out, while others do not.
Baseball teams experience shortened and suspended games throughout the season. For bets on game winning totals to pay, the game must go at least 8.5 innings, unless the game was officially shortened before that point. For bets on 7 inning games, they must go at least 6.5 innings unless the game is official.
Props on individual players require the player to throw at least one pitch or record a plate appearance in the designated game for bets to have action. If a player is subbed out for the rest of the game, those bets will be settled as pushes.
For head-to-head player props, both players must be in the starting lineup and the game must be official for bets to pay. If a player is listed as an alternate, he or she must start in the game for bets to have action.
Postseason MLB officials must pass a background check that includes a review of any criminal charge(s) or conviction(s) related to gambling or sports wagering. If any information is found, an official may be disqualified. A player found to have bet on the outcome of a game or a portion of a game can face disciplinary action from the league. A permanent ban from the game of baseball is a possibility, as is a suspension for up to six games. Players that have been banned from the game are also permanently banned from the Hall of Fame. However, this ban can be reinstated if the player admits to the violation and shows repentance.