Sports bettors can place wagers on Major League Baseball games through U.S.-based gambling sites. However, some offshore bookmakers are also offering odds on games at the Little League World Series. This practice has drawn criticism from team managers and Little League officials.
Team managers have expressed their disapproval of gambling on games involving young players, who are typically 12 years old. Little League International has also released a statement condemning sports betting on youth competitions, emphasizing the importance of the values of the game and the potential for exploitation of children's successes and failures.
Offshore sites like BetOnline and Bovada are offering daily odds on Little League World Series matchups. These sites are based outside the United States and are not subject to U.S. laws. BetOnline's brand manager has stated that the site creates its own moneylines for these games.
The community impact director of Project Play, an initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society program, highlights the negative effects of betting on young players. Research indicates that wagering on youth sports is fairly common. A survey found that a significant percentage of youth had played in games where adults bet on the outcome.
The pressure on young athletes can increase when gambling is involved. The report showed that gambling was witnessed by both boys and girls. The potential for harassment and the impact on impressionable children is a concern.
Little League managers emphasize the importance of the experience for the young players. They believe that gambling detracts from the "beauty" of the tournament and the memories the children make. The focus should be on the joy and emotion of the game, regardless of the outcome.
Youth sports, if not delivered properly, can be harmful to children. Pressure from parents and coaches, as well as early sports specialization, can also negatively impact youth sports.
Following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, many states have legalized sports betting. However, these states do not allow wagers on events where participants are under 18. Major online betting sites do not offer lines on the Little League World Series.
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