Offshore gambling on the Little League World Series feels 'dirty,' teams say

BetOnline and Bovada are among the offshore sites offering daily odds on LLWS matchups. They are both based outside the United States.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — This week, as usual, sports bettors can get action on MLB games from U.S.-based gambling sites. Meanwhile, at least a couple of offshore bookmakers are offering odds on games at the Little League World Series.

Team managers, and Little League itself, are not pleased.

"I'm not a fan," said South Carolina's manager Dave Bogan, noting he goes to Las Vegas twice a year. "It's just not appropriate, it feels dirty, quite honestly."

In news conferences throughout the Little League World Series, U.S. team managers have voiced their displeasure with gambling on their games — players at the tournament top out at 12 years old. Little League International also released a statement last week denouncing sports betting on youth 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," the statement said. "No one should be exploiting the success and failures of children playing the game they love for their own personal gain."