Official betting is a new form of legal sports wagering that is regulated by state governments. It is available at licensed sportsbooks, and can be made online or in person. In the United States, the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, opening the door for sports betting to begin in dozens of jurisdictions across the country.

In addition to offering a variety of popular betting lines and promotions, the best sportsbooks also offer a host of other specialized bets that can help bettors win big money. These bets include spread, totals, and moneyline bets. These bets are designed to increase the amount of money that a bettor wins by covering all the possible outcomes of an event.

While the NHL does not prohibit sports gambling, it does discourage players and other league staff from placing bets on its games. The league’s collective bargaining agreement, as well as its constitution, make it clear that players and staff are prohibited from gambling on NHL events. The CBA also requires that all players sign a statement acknowledging the league’s rules regarding gambling.

In order to place a bet, you must register for an account with the sportsbook and verify your identity. This is done by providing the site with your name, date of birth, address, email, phone number, and last four SSN digits. Some sites will attempt to verify your identity automatically, while others require that you upload scans of documents such as a driver’s license and utility bill.