Managers of teams participating in the Little League Baseball World Series are expressing frustration with offshore bookmakers who are offering betting odds on games at the annual showcase. The issue has sparked a debate over the integrity of the competition and the role of gambling in youth sports, as organizers seek to maintain the amateur nature of the event.
The controversy comes as the tournament attracts global attention, with thousands of fans and media outlets covering the matches. While some argue that betting can increase engagement and viewership, others contend that it undermines the purity of the competition. The league has not yet issued a formal response to the criticism, but internal discussions are reportedly underway.
Several team managers have raised concerns that the presence of offshore bookmakers could lead to an unfair advantage for some players and families. They argue that the focus on betting might detract from the core values of teamwork and fair play that the Little League Baseball World Series aims to uphold.