Betting on the Little League World Series
MLB loves Vegas. Lucky 13 for Brewers
Good morning, all. I hope your weekend is off to a great start!
The Little League World Series is underway in Williamsport, PA. Played since 1947, the event is a big deal. But can you bet on the LLWS? After all, betting is allowed on just about every sporting event in the country, why not the LLWS? Well, before you tag me a total knucklehead, although I was probably labeled that years ago, the short answer is “No!” Like everything else, however, there are complications.
There are sportsbooks in Panama and Costa Rica taking bets on the games. The U.S. cannot touch them because they are based out of the country. Little League International was not happy about the wagering and issued a statement:
We feel strongly that there is no place for betting on Little League games or any youth sports competition. No one should be exploiting the success and failures of children playing the game they love for their own personal gain.
LLI is correct, but here is the sad part about it. Betting is everywhere not just Panama and Costa Rica. Of course it has become legal to bet on numerous sports in the U.S. No wagering is allowed on the LLWS in this country, but I find it hard to believe there won’t be action, as illegal as it may be.
Incidentally the MLB Little League Classic Sunday night will feature the Seattle Mariners against the New York Mets. You can legally bet on that game. I wonder if ESPN will be hyping the various wagers you can make, such as whether Pete Alonso or Cal Raleigh will hit the first home run. Just be sure to shield any Little Leaguers, who might be watching the game, when those ads come on the screen.
Here are some other thoughts that have crossed my mind for Saturday, August 16, 2025:
The NCAA really had to perform some contortions to explain that hefty fine on Michigan football, didn’t they? In case you missed it, the NCAA Committee On Infractions slammed the University of Michigan with a record $20M over the sign-stealing scandal that took place before and during the football team’s run to the national championship. Other penalties are also being imposed but here’s the kicker, the school will not be banned from post season play. The reasoning? Those involved with this fiasco are no longer with the school and it would penalize the student-athletes currently with the program. Bullspit! Or words to that effect. The school should have at least been handed down a one-year ban.
Back to betting, for just a minute. The new ESPN app, about to be unveiled, will go heavy on betting. Yes, that ESPN, which is carrying Sunday night’s MLB Little League Classic in front of all the Little Leaguers.
And for those wondering why the wandering Athletics are building that stadium in Las Vegas. It’s because MLB wants a team desperately there. The NFL is in Vegas, the NHL, the WNBA and perhaps the NBA down the road. So MLB wants in. Incidentally, MLB announced Friday where this year’s awards show will be held:
Enough said.
The NFL is continuing to set record viewership for its preseason games. Put it this way, MLB would love to get for its regular season game ratings what the NFL snags for games that do not count.
The Cincinnati Reds were up 8-1 to the visiting Milwaukee Brewers after two innings last night and lost 10-8. That is now 13 straight wins for the Brewers, who have MLB’s best record. Somewhere Bob Uecker is smiling.
That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. As always, thank you for subscribing and have a tremendous Saturday.
DAN