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OAKLAND PARK, Fla (Gambling911.com) - Nevada comes into Wednesday's match promising a payout of just over $250 for every $100 bet to win against heavily favored Iowa (-350).
Some say there is no place for people profiting off of 12-year-olds, while others argue that Little League, ESPN and supporting sponsors are doing just that.
The Little League World Series issued the following statement to Gambling911.com:
"Little League International stands by its statement first issued last year that there is no place for betting on Little League games and players or any youth sports competition. Little League is a trusted place where children are learning the fundamentals of the games and all the important life lessons that come with having fun, celebrating teamwork, and playing with integrity, and no one should be exploiting the success and failures of children playing the game they love for their own personal gain."
On Wednesday August 26, BetOnline upped the ante. Pay the kids and they'll stop taking bets on the Little League World Series.
The sportsbook says it will pull all betting lines in 2027, but only if Little League International agrees to one condition: Pay the participants.
"We understand why some people are uncomfortable with betting on kids, but if the discomfort is really about profiting off 12-year-olds, that conversation shouldn't start and end with us," BetOnline Brand Manager Dave Mason said. "Little League, ESPN and the tournament's sponsors are cashing in every August...the difference is nobody's asked them to share that revenue. So, here's our offer: commit to paying the players and families, who comprise the core of this incredible tournament, and we'll commit to taking Little League off our board in 2027."
In regard to the Iowa vs. Nevada game, because both teams are 2-0 in Williamsport, this will not be an elimination game.
The matchup is Paseo Verde Little League of Henderson, Nevada (Mountain Region) against Davenport Northwest Little League of Davenport, Iowa (Midwest Region). It will be played at 3 pm EDT.
Iowa may have the most intimidating pitching story of the U.S. bracket.
Davenport opened by beating California 1-0, and Cooper Thissen did almost everything himself. He led off the game with a home run and then threw 5⅓ no-hit innings with 15 strikeouts. Anthony Johnson Jr. came in and completed the combined no-hitter.
Anthony Johnson Jr. struck out 15 and hit a three-run home run as Iowa crushed previously unbeaten New Jersey 6-0.
Brooks McFarland is the 5-foot-9 big star for Nevada who plays first base and pitches. He was outstanding against Washington. McFarland recorded five strikeouts as Nevada shut Washington out 5-0.
Little League World Series Futures Odds to Win
U.S. Bracket Champion
New Jersey 6/1
Alabama 8/1
Iowa 12/1
Ohio 12/1
Nevada 14/1
International Bracket Champion
Japan
Nicaragua 10/1
Curacao 16/1
Canada 33/1
