Tennessee Betting

Tennessee was the first US state to launch with a mobile-only model (November 2020); oversight is by the independent Sports Wagering Council. Bettors must be 21+ and in-state. The state has no operating tracks, but online ADW is available to residents via national platforms. On prediction markets the SWC sent Kalshi a cease-and-desist, but federal courts granted a TRO then a preliminary injunction (early 2026) blocking enforcement — actively contested, hence grey market.

Tennessee was one of the biggest surprises in the legal online sportsbook industry when it went live on November 1, 2020. It was the first state without casinos to launch sports betting. In addition, Tennessee was one of the last states to legalize a lottery and charitable bingo, yet it was the first state in the South with online sports betting.

The Tennessee online sportsbook industry had teething problems. The first was a mandated 10% hold, which pushed operators toward worse odds on straight bets or a disproportionate share of parlays and teasers; Tennessee scrapped it on 1 July 2023 when it switched to taxing handle instead of revenue.

A payday loan company was permitted to open a Tennessee sports betting site called Action 24/7. The group was accused of money laundering and gaming violations, and Action 24/7 no longer appears among the Sports Wagering Council's approved sports wagering operators.

The Sports Wagering Council regulates Tennessee online sportsbooks. It took over from the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation on 1 January 2022. Bettors must be at least 21 years old and in the state to place a bet. Residency is not a requirement.

21+ and present in TN. Gambling Problem? Call TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789.

Tennessee Sports Betting Sites

The Sports Wagering Council keeps a current list of licensed Tennessee sports betting sites on its website. It also has contact information for each operator and a list of approved vendors, including software providers.

The approved Tennessee sports betting sites are Bally Bet, bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet and theScore Bet.

The Sports Wagering Council is the regulator for Tennessee sports betting sites. It took over for the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation in 2022. The Sports Wagering Council evaluates current licensees for suitability while handling complaints from bettors. It also determines the suitability of new applicants, including businesses and key employees.

November 2020 brought safeguards to Tennessee sports bettors. Before then, sports bets were booked by offshore sites. If a player did not get paid, or there was a dispute over the grading of a bet, there was no recourse. If that happens at one of the licensed Tennessee sports betting sites mentioned above, there is a form that initiates an investigation by state regulators. This regulation protects Tennesseans.

Tennessee Sports Betting Laws

The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council posts the Sports Gaming Act and its rules on its website. Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-49-101 et seq., the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, is the law behind legal Tennessee sports betting sites. It includes some limitations on college sports betting. Wagers on negative events like penalties and injuries are also prohibited. There is a process for operators to get a type of wager permitted in the state. Tennessee law covers licensing standards, the dispute process, and minimum internal controls.

All wagers must be made online. There are no retail sportsbooks in Tennessee. The state has no casinos. Kiosks or other forms of retail betting are not approved.

Official league data is required to settle some live wagers in Tennessee. A state sports betting site must immediately report suspected criminal activity, suspicious betting patterns, cheating, and bets made by prohibited people, such as athletes involved in the games.

Online sportsbooks in Tennessee pay a privilege tax of 1.85% of gross handle. Players must be at least 21 years old and located in the state at the time of action. Banking transactions may take place from anywhere in the country.

Tennessee Sports Betting FAQ

Can Tennessee sportsbooks offer wagers on college games?

College sports betting is permitted in Tennessee with some exceptions. Bets are accepted on game outcomes involving teams. The bet must be placed before the game starts as in-play wagering is not permitted on college sports in Tennessee. There is also a ban on individual college player props. Futures bets on teams are allowed.

What is the minimum age to bet on sports in Tennesee?

All Tennessee sports bettors must be at least 21 years old.

What can I do if a have a complaint about a licensed sportsbook in Tennessee?

The Sports Wagering Council takes up player complaints once the player has first filed a formal grievance with the sportsbook.

Does Tennessee have retail sportsbooks?

There are no retail sportsbooks or kiosks in Tennessee. All betting is done online and on mobile apps.

Must I be a Tennessee resident to bet on sports online?

Anyone that is 21 years of age and older, and located within Tennessee at the time of the bet, is permitted to place a sports wager in the state. There is no residency requirement. This is good news to bettors in most bordering states where legal mobile betting is not available.