Illegal Bets On Little League World Series Sent to Police by PGCB

Pennsylvania is among the states that currently allow wagers on both professional and collegiate sports events. While such wagers are permitted, the gambling regulations in the state prohibit betting activity involving high-school athletes and amateur athletic events, with the exception of tournaments that have secured specific approval from the gambling regulator, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

The Little League World Series (LLWS) is a baseball tournament that takes place every year in South Williamsport. Participants in the event include children between the age of 10 and 13 which is why any type of wagers on LLWS are prohibited.

An investigation by PlayPennsylvania has uncovered that unlicensed, illegal sports betting operators offered wagers on the Series’ semifinal games on Thursday. When referring the matter to the state’s gambling regulator, the PGCB confirmed that action was already taken. Per the regulator, it referred the concern to state law enforcement.

While licensed betting operators in Pennsylvania aren’t allowed to offer LLWS wagers, this is not the case for illegal, black market operators. Considering that such providers are not obligated to comply with local regulations, they can offer betting lines on LLWS games.

Still, this doesn’t mean that the PGCB and state law enforcement cannot take action against such providers. In some cases, access to unregulated sportsbooks may be restricted by the particular state. In others, if the unregulated supplier is related to an operator that offers its services lawfully in other jurisdictions, a legal action may be considered.

For the moment, it is unclear what route law enforcement in Pennsylvania may choose to repeal the illegal betting offering.

The PGCB Remains Vigilant

The move against black market operators follows regulatory action announced recently by the PGCB. Earlier this week, the gambling watchdog fined Evolution, the leading gambling company. The $7,500 fine came after an accusation claiming that Evolution permitted an unauthorized person to access its live dealer casino in Philadelphia.

Besides the fine, the PGCB confirmed the ban of three adults from all casinos in the state. The tough sanction came after the watchdog uncovered that each of the three adults left their children unattended and engaged in gambling activities.

Patrons who are on the state’s involuntary exclusion list are not permitted to visit casinos across the state. This is a standard sanction when it comes to adults leaving children unattended to engage in gambling activities. Still, in some states such actions are considered a criminal offense and may be subject to tougher sanctions, including fines, community labor or short-term incarceration.