As of my knowledge cutoff in early 2023, National Hockey League (NHL) players are generally not allowed to bet on hockey games, including those involving their own teams. This is part of the NHL’s effort to maintain the integrity of the game and to avoid any potential conflicts of interest or influence on the outcomes of games.
The NHL has strict policies against gambling by players, coaches, and officials. These policies are outlined in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA). The CBA includes rules and penalties for violating the gambling policy.
However, the landscape around sports betting in the United States has been changing, with more states legalizing sports betting. The NHL has taken a cautious approach to this development, working to ensure that any legal betting is conducted in a way that does not compromise the integrity of the sport.
It’s important to note that while players are prohibited from betting on hockey games, they may be allowed to participate in certain types of fantasy sports contests or other forms of gambling that do not directly involve the outcome of NHL games. These rules can be complex and subject to change, so for the most current information, it would be best to refer to the latest NHL policies or the current CBA.