Official betting is a term that sportsbooks use to refer to wagers placed on events sanctioned by a sports league. These include regular season games, playoffs, and championship games. Bettors may also place bets on individual player performance in accumulator and outright markets. Sports governing bodies are working to ensure fans can place responsible bets by beefing up internal technology, hiring security personnel to monitor sportsbooks, and partnering with integrity firms to identify violations.

The sportsbooks’ wagering volume varies throughout the year, with peak activity during major sporting events and when specific teams are in season. There are also peaks when certain types of bets, such as props, become available. These bets aren’t necessarily indicative of the final result of a game and should be treated as entertainment rather than an investment.

Some states have rules against sports gambling, including a rule against players and other team members placing bets. The NFL and NBA are working to prevent problem gambling by educating students and other athletics staff on responsible gaming. In 2023, the NCAA surveyed Division I schools and found 10% reported that student-athletes had been harassed online or in person by bettors with gambling interests.

France is one of the most prolific sports betting markets in Europe, generating revenue of $4.6 billion in 2021, according to research firm GlobalData. There are a number of legal sportsbooks in the country, and they compete fiercely for market share. Sportsbook operators must be aware of how the French market operates and adapt to its unique requirements to survive.