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OAKLAND PARK, Fla (Gambling911.com) - Kinley Rasmus, a 12-year-old two-way star for Phenix City, Alabama, has taken the 2026 Little League World Series by storm. She is breaking the tournament record for most hits by a girl and tying the all-time girls' strikeout record.
She's a primary reason bettors have pushed Alabama to a near even odds favorite against Ohio Wednesday evening after playing as the underdog throughout much of this year's LLWS.
And for these efforts she's gotten plenty of accolades but zero in terms of any type of payment.
Meanwhile, the Little League, ESPN and supporting sponsors continue to profit off all these players.
The Little League World Series has issued a statement to Gambling911.com expressing how they feel about betting on these kids.
"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."
Betonline, meanwhile, says they are willing to stop taking bets on the Little League World Series after this year on one condition.....these kids must get paid.
"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."
Aside from being controversial, Gambling911.com has been compiling data that shows this year's LLWS betting demand is right up there with the likes of the NBA Playoffs.
BetOnline's Mason has already confirmed that some LLWS games have surpassed the betting of a number of MLB games as well as bets placed on Chelsea soccer. Chelsea is among the world's most wagered on soccer teams.
BetOnline is a private company that does not publish numbers, however, all indications suggest millions of dollars have so far been wagered on this tournament.
For now, the popular gambling site that has been taking bets since 1999, will continue to offer wagering on this year's Little League World Series.
They currently have Alabama paying out $600 for every $100 bet to win it all.
LLBWS U.S. Champion
Iowa -150
Ohio +300
Nevada +525
Alabama +600
LLBWS International Champion
Curacao -125
Japan +250
Nicaragua +275
Canada +2000
- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
