The athletic director for a Texas high school has highlighted that offshore betting operators are accepting wagers on high school football games and raised fears this could lead to corruption in the game.
Austin Westlake Athletic Director Callan Nokes noticed his football program’s state championship game was listed on BetOnline, an offshore sports betting site based in Panama. The site was accepting bets up to $500 on the game. The sportsbook had Austin Westlake as 5.5-point underdogs in the game at odds of -115.
Nokes said, “I don’t think gambling should be associated with high school football. It’s one thing if dads are making friendly little wagers that no one knows about. That’s between them. But when it gets to be corporate and it’s offshore gambling, to me that’s a more serious thing with a lot more money exchanging hands.”
The athletic director highlighted concerns that betting on high school football could encourage problem gambling, threaten the integrity of the high school game, and increase the potential for corruption and game-fixing. However, he also noted that betting on professional and college sports is “more and more accepted in America.”
BetOnline Defends Offering High School Betting Markets
The matchup between Austin Westlake and North Crowley was not the only high school football game featured at BetOnline. The sportsbook has supported odds from several other high school football contests, including nationally ranked teams in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
BetOnline’s Brand Manager, Dave Mason, explained that the number of high school football betting markets has increased at the online sportsbook due to more marquee matchups between national programs and an increase in customer demand.
Mason dismissed people's concerns about high school betting, saying, “People have ethical issues with just about everything these days.”
Additionally, Mason pointed out that sports such as Olympic events, golf, and soccer all feature minors competing and have a full suite of betting options. “No one has any issue betting on them,” Mason argues.
The BetOnline brand manager also pointed out that while people want high school sports to be treated differently when it comes to betting, businesses manage these programs the same as any other sport. High school sports have multi-million dollar facilities, high-value stadium naming rights deals, TV contracts, and even shoe sponsorships.
Mason added, “Offering odds at small limits is small time in comparison.”
U.S. Regulators Bringing in New College Sports Restrictions
The focus on high school betting comes as the U.S. has been focused on changing its college sports regulations in 2024. The NCAA has encouraged states to ban college prop betting to protect young athletes from the pressures generated by betting and online harassment. An NCAA report found angry bettors were responsible for 73% of abusive comments athletes received on social media during March Madness.
Legislation in New Jersey to ban college prop bets, A4905, was approved by the New Jersey Tourism, Gaming, and Arts Committee in November. The bill will face scrutiny from lawmakers in 2025 and could gain approval as early as the 2025 Legislative Session.
