Official betting is the term used to refer to bets placed on official events or contests. Daily fantasy sports contests are considered official and legal in most states, with some state-specific rules and regulations to keep bettors safe. Many large-scale sportsbook brands have established presences across legal markets, but bettors should research a variety of options to find the best sportsbooks for their needs. While user reviews can be helpful, they should not be taken as gospel.

A sportsbook’s odds are based on the total number of bets it takes to move the point spread or total. The more people bet on a team, the lower the odds become. This is why some bettors prefer to take the points — a wager that wins without regard to the pointspread — or take the money — a bet on an underdog with better money odds.

The rollout of sports betting in Oregon has been quick and efficient since the state passed a law legalizing the practice. The Oregon Lottery has partnered with DraftKings as its sole online option, while fans can also place bets at retail locations throughout the state.

Vermont’s legalization process has been similarly swift, with the state preparing to launch sports betting in 2024. Gov. Phil Scott signed the state’s legislatively approved sports betting bill, and residents can expect to see as many as six sportsbooks to open.

Sportsbooks offer a variety of bonuses to encourage new and existing bettors to make wagers. Loyalty programs reward bettors with bonus credits for placing (usually risky) bets, while bet boosts give a higher payoff on certain types of bets. Additionally, some sportsbooks have a variety of ongoing promotions, such as accumulator bets and free Fliff cash for bettors who win specific games or contests.