Congressman calls for scrutiny of betting on Little League World Series games
Rep. Kevin Kiley said lawmakers could examine the role of gambling operators and potential measures to restrict betting on youth sports.
US.- Rep. Kevin Kiley, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, says he plans to examine betting on youth competitions. He said he had received reports that offshore sites were seeing significant betting on Little League World Series games.
The Little League World Series is taking place from August 19 to 30 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The tournament features young baseball players from the US and other countries. Little League International says it opposes wagering on its games. The American Gaming Association has stressed that licensed US sportsbooks do not offer betting markets on youth sports.
Kiley’s subcommittee has already held congressional hearings on the growing involvement of private equity in youth sports. He suggested that betting on children’s competitions could be another sign the sector is moving away from its traditional community focus.
Kiley said his committee plans to examine the issue and determine whether lawmakers can help limit betting on youth sports and that a future congressional hearing could include the AGA to consider measures aimed at preventing wagering on youth competitions, although he acknowledged the legal and jurisdictional challenges posed by offshore operators.
