Betting on Peewee Football Games Has Led to Violent Altercations

Cincinnati police spokesman Jonathan Cunningham this week confirmed that police are aware of the betting on peewee football and other youth games in the region, claiming violence has erupted among adults as a result.  

While he did not offer specific examples of cases,The Enquirer has requested documents related to multiple shootings in an effort to determine whether they were related to gambling.

"We discourage any type of gambling, especially at youth events where we are there as role models and mentors," Cunningham said. "It needs to cease immediately."

Cunningham has stated the situation is not widespread but does require looking into.

"Stop betting on our children," Cincinnati City Councilman Scotty Johnson said. "It's really up to the people attending those games to not make our children objects."

At a joint meeting between Cincinnati Public Schools and City Council Wednesday, the topic was safety at youth sporting events. These youth leagues often rent facilities from Cincinnati Public Schools to hold their games, and the district is reporting theft, vandalism and gun violence.

Johnson, who is a former Cincinnati police officer, said that part of the reason is "the ridiculous amount of money that's being bet on these youth games." He said bets of up to $5,000 are being placed.

While regulated sportsbooks, including those licensed in Ohio, shy away from offering betting on youth sport events, some offshore sportsbooks do offer wagering on events such as the Spelling Bee and the uber popular Little League World Series.  Likewise, bookie software solutions also have the ability to offer wagering on youth sporting events, although Gambling911.com is not aware of any that do at this time.

Ohio has thrust itself into a unique situation in that sports betting is now embedded within society.  Gambling911.com ranks Ohio No. 1 of all states that offer sports gambling in terms of easy accessibility.  The Buckeye State offers the activity in convenience stores, super markets, gas stations and even bowling alleys.