When bettors place money on a team or individual to win a game, they’re making what is known as a straight bet. Sports betting comes in different forms, including parlays and if bets. An if bet consists of at least two straight bets joined together by an “if” clause that determines the wager process: If the first selection complies with the condition (clause), then the second will have action and so on.

Professional leagues have been given a greater visibility into bets made on their games than ever before. They work with betting operators and integrity firms to ensure that bettors are treated fairly. They also collaborate with state regulators to monitor and enforce betting rules.

NHL rules state that players and those working for a team or the league are banned from placing wagers on any game in which they’re involved. This includes road games. However, players and employees are allowed to bet on non-NHL events.

A number of NFL players have been disciplined for violating the league’s gambling policy. The league’s in-house investigations of these cases have led to a range of punishments, from a one-year suspension to an indefinite ban on the part of the player.

In addition to the prohibition on betting on NBA games, the league’s code of conduct prohibits any employee from accepting a bribe, soliciting such a bribe or using inside information for gambling purposes. This applies to anyone who is associated with clubs at lower levels of the men’s and women’s league systems, as well as match officials at FA Level 4 or below.