Official betting is a type of wagering where bettors are placed directly with a sportsbook operator. This is done to ensure that all bets are accounted for, and all bettors receive payouts on their winning bets. It also provides legal protections to the bettors in case of any issues. The best way to avoid any issues is by making your bets with a licensed and regulated sportsbook.

Football is a popular sport for bettors, and it’s important to understand the basics of this type of gambling. Whether you’re new to betting or a long-time player, it’s always a good idea to know the basics of football betting before you start placing your bets.

In 1919, professional gambler Joseph Sullivan paid eight members of the Chicago White Sox baseball team (Oscar Felsch, Arnold Gandil, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Fred McMullin, Charles Risberg, George Weaver and Claude Williams) around $10,000 each to fix a game. This was one of the most notorious sports scandals in history, and those who were involved in it were banned from professional baseball forever.

In addition to offering a variety of sports betting options, some sportsbooks also offer customer support that can help you if you run into any issues while placing your bets. This includes FAQ articles, live chat and phone support. Most reputable sportsbooks will offer most, if not all of these services. Some may have additional support channels based on the sports they cover, such as Twitter and Facebook.