Sports betting is regulated at the state level, and each jurisdiction has its own rules and regulations. The majority of states require bettors to be 21 or older, and some set the age at 18. Most also require that bettors are located within the jurisdiction in which they’re placing their wagers. In addition to these legalities, some states have additional restrictions on sportsbooks and other sources of betting information.

While some professional sports leagues have taken a strong position against sports betting, others have found ways to benefit from it. For example, the NHL has signed sponsorship deals with betting operators such as William Hill and MGM Resorts International. These partnerships have allowed the league to provide players with access to in-game data and statistics, which is useful for placing bets on their team’s performance.

In the US, sports betting is legal in 25 states and the District of Columbia. These states have established rigorous licensing regimes to ensure game integrity and consumer protection. In the future, more states may consider legalizing sports betting.

If you’re new to sports betting, it can be helpful to start small and work your way up. While it’s possible to place bets on your favorite team, it’s important to remove bias and focus on the likelihood of winning based on statistical analysis. Betting on your own team can be risky, especially if you’re unable to control your emotions or prevent yourself from overanalyzing the game.