In the world of sports betting, official or live bets are those that are settled and paid out according to their respective governing bodies. This is compared to unofficial or pre-game bets that are not settling and will not be paid out, regardless of the final result.

In baseball, any player or employee of a MLB club who places a bet while inside team facilities is subject to an indefinite suspension and could be banned from the game’s Hall of Fame (although most players have been reinstated years later). The NBA has a similar rule, with all bets placed on NBA teams and league properties being void if the wagerer is associated with one of the 30 clubs or the league overall. However, if the NBA isn’t the focus of a bet, such as a wager on a country to win soccer’s World Cup or a player to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, these types of wagers are acceptable.

In football, the FA bans all players and employees at clubs in lower levels of men’s or women’s league systems from advertising or promoting any gambling activity in which they are involved or can influence. However, this only applies to their personal capacity and doesn’t impact their ability to work for other clubs or organizations. It’s also worth noting that betting odds on matches can be volatile and fluctuate during play. This can make placing bets in-game very difficult, so it’s recommended that you research each sportsbook thoroughly before making a decision.