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The Little League World Series and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board made a strong statements that condemns any type of sports betting on games, which is played by baseball players between the ages of 10 and 12.
The Little League World Series, comprised of teams all over the world, has been held in Williamsport, PA, since 1947. The tournament started earlier this week.
Betting on Little League World Series games is prohibited on Pennsylvania online sportsbooks. However, unlicensed operators, such as offshore sportsbooks, illegally offer odds on games.
PGCB: Wagering on youth is ‘reprehensible’
The PGCB worked with law enforcement last year when it found out offshore sportsbooks offered betting lines on Little League games.
PGCB Communications Director Doug Harbach told PlayPennsylvania that it continues to take action against unlawful gambling.
“The PGCB has steadfastly held that allowing wagering on youth and high school sports is reprehensible and is not permitted by law on PA regulated sites.
“When we become aware of anyone undertaking such conduct, there is an immediate referral of the matter to law enforcement.”
Little League’s statement on betting
In the organization’s tweet, it said it felt “strongly that there is no place for betting on Little League games.” The rest of the statement reads:
“While Little League International continues to monitor the complexity and ever-evolving world of sports betting, we feel strongly that there is no place for betting on Little League games or on any youth sports competition.
“Little League is a trusted place where children are learning the fundamentals of the games and all the important life lessons that come with having fun, celebrating teamwork, and playing with integrity, and no one should be exploiting the success and failures of children playing the game they love for their own personal gain.”
AG joins illegal gambling coalition
Illegal gambling is on the mind of state Attorney General Dave Sunday.
Sunday recently joined a bipartisan coalition made up of 50 attorneys general. The group drafted a letter to US AG Pam Bondi, citing the need for action against illegal gambling operators.
Sunday said in a statement:
“Illegal offshore gaming and gambling companies circumvent all state and federal laws with one mission – to increase players and maximize profits – exposing children and other vulnerable Pennsylvanians to gambling without protections offered by legitimate outlets.”
The coalition is asking for aid and more resources in order to curb offshore gambling operators.
Betting on any youth sports off-limits in PA
Legal sportsbooks in Pennsylvania have never been able to offer markets on Little League games. According to the Pennsylvania Gaming expansion law, which passed in late 2017, Pennsylvania bettors can legally wager on:
- Professional athletic events
- Collegiate athletic events
- Professional motor race events
- International team and international individual athletic events including those events governed by the International Olympic Committee and the International Federation of Association Football.
Events not allowed to bet on include:
- Any other sports wagering activity as prohibited by the PGCB.
- High school athletic events governed by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association or a similar governing body.
- Amateur athletic events, other than collegiate athletic events, unless otherwise specifically approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
