Little League World Series strongly denounces Sports Betting

The Little League World Series has long been celebrated as a global stage where 10- through 12-year-old ballplayers display impressive skills, teamwork and passion for baseball. Unfortunately, this year, headlines have also focused on sportsbooks that offer betting odds on such youth games.

Little League officials issued a strong statement condemning gambling on its tournament. The message was clear: betting has no place in youth sports. A warning to the public is clear as well: to anyone attempting to wager on games, such bets are not only inappropriate but also illegal.

This controversy shines a light on both the dangers of early gambling exposure and the broader challenges the U.S. faces as sports betting continues to expand.

Wait, you can bet on the Little League World Series?!

To most parents and fans, the idea of betting on 10, 11 and 12-year-olds seems unthinkable. Yet several offshore sportsbooks have openly taken wagers on the Little League World Series.

For these unregulated operators, youth games are just another market. As one offshore sportsbook executive admitted, the tournament is expected to attract more wagers than professional tennis or soccer matches in the next two weeks on their platform, and that’s taking into account the U.S. Open in tennis, which begins Sunday, and the Premier League in soccer, which just started this past weekend. 

That popularity underlines the risk for both parties involved: when financial interests intersect with children’s play, young athletes face potential harassment and bettors risk falling into problem gambling patterns.

Is betting on the Little League World Series legal?

No, is it not legal. In the U.S., regulated sportsbooks are prohibited from offering bets on youth sports. But offshore operators function outside American law. They exploit loopholes by operating internationally, making it difficult for U.S. authorities to stop them.

As a result, bets on the LLWS are happening despite the prohibition. That means young athletes may face harassment not just from spectators but from frustrated bettors around the globe. And international teams could face even greater dangers when returning home to countries where gambling markets are less restricted.

Why the Little League World Series organizing body issued a strong statement

Little League International made it clear: gambling undermines the values the tournament represents. In their statement, they wrote: “No one should be exploiting the success and failures of children playing the game they love for their own personal gain.”

Officials emphasized that the LLWS is meant to teach integrity, teamwork and joy, not serve as a profit engine for gambling operators.

Beyond moral objections, there’s also a practical concern. Offshore operators are notoriously unreliable. Past incidents, like offering odds on the Special Olympics, demonstrate how poorly regulated sportsbooks can exploit vulnerable populations while leaving bettors without recourse when things go wrong.

Dangers of early exposure to gambling at a young age

The LLWS controversy also speaks to the impact of gambling exposure on children and teens, which is a pressing public health issue.

Research shows that athletes already face elevated risks of gambling addiction. According to recent research, problem gambling rates among athletes are estimated to be around 12%, but some studies show they may be as high as 29%. With competitiveness, risk-taking, and sports knowledge fueling their confidence, many athletes falsely believe they can “beat the odds.”

Teens face similar vulnerabilities. Teenagers often circumvent age restrictions through VPNs, shared accounts or offshore sportsbooks. Studies show that up to 60% of high school students have gambled in the past year, and 2–7% already meet the criteria for gambling addiction.

When youth sports like the LLWS are commercialized through betting, children are directly exposed to the culture of gambling at a stage when their brains are still developing. This can normalize risky behavior and set the stage for lifelong struggles with addiction.

America’s growing Gambling Addiction problem

The LLWS betting controversy is just one symptom of a larger national issue. Legal sports betting has exploded across the U.S., and so have gambling-related harms.

A nationwide survey found that nearly 25% of bettors admitted missing a bill payment due to gambling losses, while 30% carry gambling-related debt. Some resort to payday loans or cash advances just to continue wagering.

The fallout isn’t just financial, either. Nearly 50% of respondents expressed regret over their betting, and over 20% admitted to verbally abusing athletes after losing a wager. The connection between betting and aggression shows why protecting youth athletes from gambling-related harassment is so urgent.

Gambling Addiction care in the U.S.

This should act as a firm reminder that youth sports must remain a safe haven, free from the exploitation of gambling markets. For millions of Americans already struggling with gambling addiction, specialized support is needed.

Birches Health offers confidential, discreet virtual treatment options tailored to each individual struggling and anyone around them who may be affected by it. Birches’ licensed therapists specialize in evidence-based care, with flexibility for busy schedules and privacy for those in sensitive roles. Plus, care costs can be covered by insurance or state funding in some locations.

If you or someone you know is struggling, take the first step by:

• Calling 833-483-3838
  
  

• Booking a consultation here
  
  

• Emailing help@bircheshealth.com