If you are looking to place a wager on a sports event, there is no shortage of options. However, before you do so, it is important to understand the rules around official betting. Read on to learn more about this topic, and be sure to always gamble responsibly. If you are concerned about problem gambling, many licensed operators have resources available to help including educational guides on responsible gaming and links to support services.

The NBA prohibits anyone playing for or working for a member team or the league from betting on its events. This includes players, coaches, assistants, managers and officials. It also applies to professional and amateur athletes participating in the WNBA, G-League and NBA2K leagues. A violation of the rule results in a fine or suspension.

Sports gambling laws aren’t the same in all states, but they generally have similar requirements. For example, most legal states require that bettors are 21 or older and limit the types of bets they can make. In addition, some states limit the number of bets that can be placed per week or season.

Before the Supreme Court ruling on sports betting, some professional leagues feared that broader access to gambling could lead to attempts to fix games for money. But once the court ruled, they quickly changed their tune and began embracing the practice by partnering with sportsbooks and monitoring bets. The NFL, for instance, has beefed up its in-house technology and partnered with integrity firms to track bets and identify offenders.