LLWS Officials Issue Scathing Statement Over Sports Betting

The Little League World Series isn’t taking the dangers of sports betting lightly.

The league’s governing body has released a statement strongly condemning betting on youth sports. While the US-regulated sports betting market doesn’t allow for wagers on youth events like the LLWS, offshore sportsbooks do. This is putting young players at risk of facing harassment, as well as bringing in the unwelcome fallout from an increase in problem gambling.

While the LLWS is not aware of any illegal operators accepting bets on site, they have confirmed that wagers are being placed online with offshore operators.

No Place for Gambling in the LLWS

In their statement, officials asserted that gambling has no place in the LLWS. 

“We feel strongly that there is no place for betting on Little League games or on any youth sports competition,” the statement read. “No one should be exploiting the success and failures of children playing the game they love for their own personal gain.” 

Responsible gaming advocates have echoed those words. Bettors seeking out illegal ways to bet on the youth baseball tournament are at a high risk of problem gambling. Not only does this increase the risk that they will harass the young players, but it also puts them in danger of losing money to an unregulated operator.

Preventing Wagers May Not Be Possible

While there isn’t any opposition to protecting the LLWS from sports betting, it may not be as easy as it seems.

Offshore sportsbooks have been facing waves of cease-and-desist letters ordering them to exit markets across the US. While many have willingly left, others have decided to ignore the letter and continue to operate. Given that states do not have the legal power to prosecute foreign companies, their ability to enforce penalties is limited.

The good news for state regulators is that they should receive strong federal support. Protecting our youth from the dangers of gambling is a topic with rare bipartisan support, meaning the US Department of Justice could step in. Unfortunately, the options left for states are limited until they do.

International Teams More at Risk

While all LLWS athletes and coaches could face gambling-related harassment, international teams are facing a greater danger. While the US-regulated sports betting market rejects gambling on US sports, that isn’t the case in the global market.

Countries like Panama have a strong LLWS program, but are also home to some of the offshore sportsbooks offering odds on the tournament. That means when they lose and are forced to head home, they could be subjected to dangerous levels of harassment from angry supporters who lost money.