Professional athletes betting on themselves is generally prohibited by the major sports leagues and gambling regulations in many jurisdictions. The main reasons for these prohibitions are to avoid conflicts of interest, maintain the integrity of the sport, and prevent match-fixing.

For example:

– **NBA (National Basketball Association)**: Players are not allowed to bet on NBA games, including on themselves or on their own teams.

– **NFL (National Football League)**: The NFL has strict policies against players betting on any NFL game, including their own games.

– **MLB (Major League Baseball)**: Like the NBA and NFL, MLB has a ban on players betting on baseball games, including those involving their own teams.

– **NHL (National Hockey League)**: The NHL also prohibits players from betting on hockey games, including those in which they are participating.

These prohibitions extend to other sports and are often part of broader rules that cover all forms of sports betting for players, coaches, and sometimes even team personnel. Violations of these rules can result in suspensions, fines, or even termination of contracts.

However, there are some forms of betting that might be allowed under certain circumstances. For example, fantasy sports are generally considered legal and are not typically prohibited for professional athletes, as long as they comply with the specific fantasy sports regulations and do not involve betting on the outcome of actual games.

It’s important to note that the laws and regulations regarding sports betting can vary significantly by country and sometimes even by state or province. Athletes should be aware of the specific rules that apply to their sport and jurisdiction to avoid any potential legal or professional consequences.