As the Little League World Series (LLWS) in Williamsport, PA, draws to a close, PlayPennsylvania has uncovered that illegal offshore sportsbooks are accepting bets on the semifinal games scheduled for Thursday night. While legal Pennsylvania online sportsbooks are prohibited from offering any wagering on LLWS events, unregulated offshore platforms are illegally providing lines for these games, involving young players aged 12 and 13.
PGCB Takes Action Against Illegal Betting
In response to these illegal activities, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) announced on Thursday morning that it has referred the situation to state law enforcement for further investigation. Under the Pennsylvania Gaming Expansion Law, regulated sportsbooks are not allowed to offer betting lines on LLWS games.
PlayPennsylvania also contacted the Pennsylvania State Police and the Office of the Attorney General to inquire about their enforcement capabilities regarding these illegal betting activities. While neither agency has responded yet, updates will follow as information becomes available.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Sports Betting Regulations
The Pennsylvania Gaming Expansion Law clearly outlines what is permitted and what is not in terms of sports wagering within the state. Legally, Pennsylvanians can place bets on:
- Professional athletic events
- Collegiate athletic events
- Professional motor racing events
- International team and individual athletic competitions governed by organizations like the International Olympic Committee and FIFA
Conversely, here are the events on which Pennsylvanians cannot legally bet:
- High school athletic events regulated by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association or similar bodies
- Amateur athletic events, unless specifically approved by the PGCB
- Any other wagering activities prohibited by the PGCB
Protecting Minors from Gambling
The PGCB is committed to safeguarding minors from gambling activities, which includes preventing them from being both bet on and placing bets themselves. By reporting the illegal betting activities to state law enforcement, the PGCB fulfills its duty to protect youth.
The existence of betting markets has led to negative consequences for many college and professional athletes, who often face hateful comments related to their performance. This is a significant concern for NCAA President Charlie Baker, who has called for a ban on college prop betting, stating that it undermines competition integrity and subjects student-athletes to harassment.
The need to protect young athletes is paramount, especially given that LLWS participants are just children. The establishment of strict regulations surrounding betting on high school athletes serves as a crucial barrier against the dangers associated with youth gambling.
Source : https://www.playpennsylvania.com/pgcb-refers-little-league-world-series-betting-law-enforcement/
