Managers miffed at offshore sports betting on Little League World Series

”This is the only tournament where you’re representing your local community,” Oda said. ”It’s that innocence, that pureness that these kids show on the field.”

Oda believes the memories his 12-year-old players make are more important than the games won or lost.

”It’s about them experiencing this whole moment here. They’re going to have memories saying that when I was 12, this is what we did,” Oda said. ”Gambling is here to stay, but I am thankful that Little League is very protective of what they have, and they should be. You know that pure joy and emotion whether you win or you lose, that’s the greatest thing.”

Solomon said youth sports is ”all about the delivery of the sport” from leagues and coaches.

”Sports, if not delivered properly, can be harmful to children and betting on sports would definitely fall into that category of it being harmful,” Solomon said. Pressure from parents and coaches, as well as early sports specialization, can also negatively impact youth sports.

In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that made sports betting illegal across most of the U.S for over 25 years. Now, 39 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports betting but states don’t allow wagers to be made where those competing are under 18.