Official betting is a wager that uses data from the sports league to grade bets. MLB has partnered with regulators, sportsbooks and independent integrity monitors to enforce its rules and oversee betting activity. In addition, it promotes responsible gambling through a variety of initiatives.

Illinois is the second US state to include official league data in its sports betting law, following Tennessee’s lead. The mandate applies to Tier 2 sports wagers, which are not tied directly to the final score or outcome of a game. However, Tier 1 sports bets can be graded without the use of official league data.

Player markets and other statistically dependent markets are settled when the relevant statistic/result is available via the league’s official website or the league’s official statistical provider. If the statistic/result is not available from those sources, another reputable source will be used to settle those markets.

For bets to have action, the relevant full/half inning must be completed. If the high scoring inning occurs in extra innings, then Dead Heat rules apply. In 7 inning games, the “6.5 innings rule” applies.

Those who place bets against the rules can face severe penalties. In baseball, for instance, any player, umpire or club/league employee who bets against a team can be permanently banned from the game. In addition, such individuals can be banned from the Hall of Fame. They are also barred from receiving gifts from anyone connected to a team, including its front office and owner.