In a world where betting on sports has become ubiquitous, the leagues are constantly looking for ways to keep bettors safe. They are working with regulators, sportsbooks and independent integrity monitors to ensure that the games are not tampered with for gambling purposes. They also have in-house investigations that can catch anyone who violates their rules.
Generally speaking, players and those who work for the teams are prohibited from betting on NHL games. That is outlined in the collective bargaining agreement and posted in every dressing room around the league. Players are allowed to bet on non-NHL events but cannot do so from team or league facilities, or while traveling with their teams.
The NBA has a similar rule on its books and in its locker rooms. Those who play or work for the 30 teams and the league are banned from placing wagers on its events, including the NBA Summer League, WNBA, G-League, and Basketball Africa League. However, they are permitted to bet on any other event as long as it is legal where they live.
When it comes to soccer, the bets are settled on the official result outlined by the governing body of the competition the game is taking part in. That means that the winner of a game will be decided by the 90-minute result, which includes injury time and any penalties scored. In some cases, there will be a tie between two teams, in which case the bets are void.
In baseball, the outcome of a game is considered official after five innings have been played. Bets on the winner’s market are settled as winners if the home team is ahead; otherwise, they are void. Games that are abandoned before five innings have been completed see all bets void unless they are replayed within 24 hours. If a game is rescheduled for another day, all bets will stand.
Similarly, in boxing, the bets are paid out based on the official result as listed by the governing body of the fight. Any appeals or amendments that occur after the initial decision won’t affect the payout on these markets. Likewise, a change in the venue or fighter name won’t impact bets on outright and tournament winner markets.
In terms of football, there is no specific rule against placing bets, but NFL officials have warned that it’s not a good idea for players to do so while at the team or league facility. Any bets placed on a game while a player is at the facility can lead to an indefinite ban, as has been the case for former Detroit Lions receiver Quintez Cephus and current Atlanta Falcons safety C.J. Moore, among others. In addition, NFL players who place bets on their own team are punished by six-game suspensions. Those who give tips to others that they can reasonably believe will be used for gambling on a WBSC event receive a three-year ban. Tanking a game or asking someone to lose on purpose can result in a permanent ban as well.