When it comes to sports betting, the more you know about teams, players and different kinds of wagers, the better. Using strategies that take advantage of specific team trends can help you beat the book. Specializing in one sport can also give you a better edge because you’re not spreading yourself too thin.

The NFL’s official stance on sports betting is that all wagering should be legalized, and it works with regulators, sportsbooks, independent integrity monitors and teams to identify illegal activity. It’s also partnered with gaming companies to create an NFL data network that gives the league visibility into bets on its games. The league also conducts in-house investigations on alleged violations of its rules.

NBA players and employees are banned from betting on the NBA, summer leagues, WNBA, G-League or Basketball Africa League, but they can bet on other sports. Anyone who places a bet on a game that’s in progress can’t cash out until the conclusion of the event. The NBA has a zero tolerance policy for gambling, and people who violate it are permanently banned from the league.

The NHL has a similar rules to MLB, but it is less draconian in its approach to gambling. The NHL does not have a zero-tolerance policy, and it works with casinos, sportsbooks and independent integrity monitors to track betting patterns and identify inappropriate bettors. It also partners with its clubs to encourage responsible betting and educate fans about gambling, especially in areas where it is illegal.