Official betting offers a variety of wagers for fans to make on the biggest games and events in the NFL, NBA and NHL. There are moneylines, spreads and parlays, as well as prop bets on more specific outcomes – like how many points a player will score. Regardless of the type of bet you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, be sure to research the sportsbook you’re considering. Look at customer reviews and pay attention to the types of wagers each site offers. While user reviews can be helpful, don’t treat them as gospel. What one person might view as negative, another might see as positive.

Then, decide what kind of wagers you’re comfortable placing. If you’re new to sports betting, it might be a good idea to start small and work your way up to larger stakes. In addition to researching the sportsbook’s betting menu, you should also check out its rules and regulations.

Finally, be aware of how much tax you’ll be paying on your winnings. Depending on the state in which you live, this can be anywhere from 25% to 50%.

New York legalized sports betting in 2021, offering retail wagering at commercial and tribal casinos. Online sports betting went live in January 2022, with Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet all opening sportsbooks. Online betting is currently available in Iowa, with a dozen sportsbooks. Those sites will be joined by SugarHouse, DraftKings and BetRivers when the state goes live in 2023.