Generally speaking, sports betting is placing money on an outcome of your choice and getting paid if that wager pays out. However, there are several different types of bets and terms you should know before making your first bet.

For example, if you bet on a team to win, that is called a straight bet. If you bet on a team to lose by a certain amount of points, that is known as a point spread. You can also bet on multiple outcomes in a single bet, which is called a parlay.

The rules of official betting are designed to prevent bribery and match-fixing in football matches. Specifically, the code prohibits accepting, offering, or agreeing to accept a bribe to fix a match or any event within it. It is also illegal to seek, offer, or agree to accept a bet based on inside information that could reasonably be used for betting purposes.

In 2021, Alaska passed a law legalizing sports betting. In-person and online sports betting is now available in the state.

A bill to legalize sports betting in the state of California was rejected in November of 2022, so it appears as though the topic will be off the table for the foreseeable future.

In baseball, games are sometimes shortened or suspended due to inclement weather. If a game is not resumed in the same inning it started, any bets placed will be deemed void, unless they are clearly unequivocally determined (e.g., first inning over/under). If the game is completed and declared official, all moneyline bets will pay if the team wins or covers.