The Supreme Court has overturned a federal ban on sports betting, and states are now free to determine whether to legalize the activity. Some have opted to regulate it, requiring that sportsbooks be licensed and ensuring that bettors are treated fairly. Others have chosen to allow sports betting but impose strict limits and enforce bans on certain kinds of bets.
The NHL does not explicitly ban sports betting, but its collective bargaining agreement and constitution say that “Gambling on any NHL game is prohibited.” Those who work for the league, including players and those in uniform, can bet on non-NHL events as long as they are not in team facilities or on the road.
In addition to the bans on gambling, MLB also prohibits its personnel from accepting or offering gifts related to professional baseball. This prohibition is reflected in Rule 21 of its Official Rules, which is posted on dugout walls. Players who violate this rule can be banned for up to three years and can also be permanently barred from the Hall of Fame.
Unlike other major US sports leagues, the NBA does not have a public position on legalized sports betting. The league has stated that it is more concerned with integrity issues than revenue generation, and it has partnered with bookmakers on data initiatives. In 2022, the NBA introduced an NFL-style playoff betting bracket that gave bettors a chance to win a one-year bet by picking the winners of all four first-round Wild Card games.