Official betting refers to wagers that are settled on statistics, results and other data provided by a sport’s governing body. It is an attempt by sports leagues to monetize their data while protecting their brands. The concept first appeared in draft lobbying documents circulated by MLB and NBA in February 2018, just months before SCOTUS struck down PASPA, and has become a central issue in the legalization of sports betting. Lawmakers in US states have varying opinions about the need for official data, with some, like Illinois and Tennessee, requiring it for Tier 1 wagers. Other states, including Nevada, have chosen to omit the requirement entirely.

For wagers on team scoring drives, at least one offensive play must be made (either a pass or a run) for the market to settle. A fumble or safety will not count as a scoring drive. In markets that include multiple players, all players must start for the bet to be graded. If a player is replaced during the game, all existing bets will stand.

For bets on total baseball games, the game must go 8.5 innings for wagers to have action. Unless otherwise specified, extra innings count towards settling total baseball bets. All wagers on player props have action if the player is in the starting lineup at the time of the bet’s settlement. The ‘Playoff Brackets’ markets are graded on the final score of the playoff game in which they are placed, including overtime scores.