Official betting is the activity of placing a wager on a sports outcome. Legalized in various states after a Supreme Court ruling, it offers fans of professional and college sports a variety of options for both online and mobile wagering. While Nevada is still the best place to find legal sports betting in the US, many other states have made it easier than ever for bettors to get involved.

For example, the state of New Hampshire recently lowered the age to place a bet from 18 to 21 and is also one of the only states that allows a sportsbook to offer futures bets. These types of bets are placed on events that will take place in the future, such as a team to win the World Series next year or a golfer to win a major tournament. While these bets do not always end up winning, they can be lucrative in the long run.

It is important to research sportsbooks before placing a bet. While user reviews can help, they should not be taken as gospel. Rather, be sure to investigate what type of betting markets are available and the rules and regulations in your jurisdiction. In addition, you should consider the bonuses and promotions that are offered by the sportsbook you are considering. This will ensure that you are getting the best possible value for your money. Finally, you should check the sportsbook’s wagering policies, which will determine whether you can make certain bets.