Underground Youth Football Gambling

by Sasha Russell, Program Specialist, Communications, The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

 

Law enforcement agencies around the world were busy during the month of October, with heavy focus on illegal gambling rings. After long investigations, at least 130 people involved in major gambling rings in America, Israel and China were apprehended. Three were based online and the other covered three Southern Florida counties. While many times we discuss problem gambling in terms of personal well-being, it is also important to look at the impact gambling has on our community; especially illegal gambling. The pulling of lottery numbers in Massachusetts started as a game played in the underground. Looking at how far this state has come since then, it is interesting to see how illegal gambling has shaped our society.

ESPN uncovered the ring in Southern Florida after noticing the crowd at several South Florida Youth Football (SFYF) games seemed to become less family friendly as the day grew on. Many adult men filled the stands, openly exchanging money, even while local police were present. ESPN’s program On the Line (you can watch the full story here: OTL: Youth Sports Gambling Operation Busted) set up hidden cameras and worked with the local police to investigate the illegal gambling that was being practiced openly; even in front of local police officers. After 18 months, nine men were arrested. These men ranged from drug dealers to the league’s own coaches. The ringleader, Brandon Bivins, was the president of one of the SFYF’s most successful teams: Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes.

 

In light of this recent event, SFYF has issued an Anti-Gambling policy and has committed to forming the Stop Youth Gambling Task Force. Part of this initiative is to develop community-wide strategies to address gambling on youth sports by working in cooperation with local law enforcement, community organizations and concerned citizens. They also plan to launch an education campaign to “help parents understand how gambling, illegal recruiting and acceptance of payments” have negative consequences and can hurt their child’s future. Considering the league’s website states that the “sole purpose of the league is to benefit children” and with that, “assist in combating juvenile delinquency by providing and promoting the physical and emotional well being of young athletes,” the initiative is something that will hopefully turn not only the league, but the communities involved, around.

 

There are many social implications that will be affected by the halting of this illegal ring. Many people, parents and athletes alike, have grown to depend on the money being circulated as a result of how the teams perform. Those involved in the ring, such as Bivens, would pay off parents and athletes in exchange for having the child play on a particular team.  This is quite the opposite of the league’s mission. Instead of having guidance for the children of these impoverished neighborhoods to learn how to overcome the obstacles they may face in their lives, they are being given a short cut to disaster. According to ESPN’s report, this has been going on for years, and many former athletes have turned to a life of crime and remained involved in the illegal gambling activities. 

 

The Stop Youth Gambling Task Force does not have an easy road ahead of itself, and will hopefully not only keep a look out for illegal gambling, but also talk to the children and families about responsible gambling. Due to the heavy reliance on the payoffs from the illegal winnings, there would be no surprise if the ring began again once the smoke clears. Hopefully the parents and other role models of the communities will make educated decisions for themselves and their children, and the task force will stick to their word to ensure a safe place for children to convene and stay off the streets.  

 

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