Congress Targets Youth Sports Betting after Little League Gambling Reports

Reports of adults gambling on Little League World Series games have caught the attention of members of Congress, with one House lawmaker suggesting Congress could look into how youth competitions are being offered by gambling operators. Lawmaker Raises Concerns Over Little League Betting Activity Rep. Kevin Kiley, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, said he is planning to look into the matter after being told offshore betting websites are seeing a lot of action on Little League matchups. The development has sparked fears over the encroachment of gambling into competitions involving children, as reported by USA Today. The Little League World Series runs August 19 through August 30 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The tournament attracts young baseball players from the US and other countries and has traditionally been framed as a celebration of youth sports, not a commercial betting product. For the second straight year, Little League International has once again opposed wagering on its games. The organization has argued that gambling has no place in youth sports, and that children’s performances should not be turned into money-making opportunities for adults. The American Gaming Association has also drawn a line between regulated sportsbooks and the operators taking these wagers. Licensed US sportsbooks do not offer betting markets on youth competitions, the trade group said. Instead, it appears that bets on Little League games are originating offshore or on other unregulated platforms that are not subject to the safeguards imposed by state gaming authorities. Offshore Youth Sports Betting Draws Congressional Scrutiny The problem is also part of a larger conversation about the evolving nature of youth sports. Kiley’s subcommittee has held congressional hearings looking at the expanding role of private equity in the industry and the financial burden on families. He said the appearance of betting on children’s competitions could be another sign that youth sports are drifting further away from their traditional community role. Kiley said a future congressional hearing could bring together organizations involved in the issue, including the AGA, to discuss what can be done to prevent wagering on youth competitions. He pointed out that offshore operators pose additional legal and jurisdictional challenges but said Congress may have a part to play given the Little League World Series is a major American sporting institution. There is also underage gambling. Legal sportsbooks in the US are required to verify the age of their customers, and regulators have continued to struggle with attempts by minors to access betting services. Offshore operators do not offer similar protections, potentially creating more risks for young people and families. No hearing date has been set yet, but Kiley said his committee plans to take a look at it to see if lawmakers can find ways to help restrict betting on youth sports and bolster protections for minors and gambling.