Hello, just a quick question in regards to youth league bowling. I know gambling is illegal during youth bowling, but is, for example, 2 friends, on 2 different teams, not playing each other, play for Jamba Juice for the high series, or game?  Nothing up front , but just 2 friends doing it as a friendly side bet? 

This is just an example, but something like this was brought to my attention and Im not sure if it's illegal and I couldn't find anything in the USBC rule book.

Anyone?

This should be considered as a friendly side-bet only. No money will be exchanged between the two bowlers, so it is very difficult to think its gambling.

I'd still check.  Here in town the centers give out jackets for honor scores, but they can't give them to the kids because it's considered to be the same as USBC giving rings or something.  If you can't get awards for achievements, then even something that small could be considered gambling or wagering.  If anything of any value changes hands or is awarded based on an achievement or accomplishment, it could be considered gambling. 

Now, reasonably or logically, I don't think it's anything, but you'll find that one jackwagon that will make a huge deal out of it. 

Why chance it.  If you want to have that bet, then have all conversations outside of the center.  You would hate for anyone's interpretation cause you any trouble.

I'd go with this. I remember visiting relatives in Oklahoma while I was still in youth bowling, and one of them asked me to sub in their adult league. Worried about my eligibility, I found their league president and secretary, and had them look up the rule on it, and if I would surely lose it.

While they couldn't verify if I would lose it, they gave the advice of "When in doubt, don't."

I'd follow that in this case. If you truly want to know, get hold of the coach/organizer of your youth league, and ask them. They should be able to get you a definitive answer.

BL.