is sports betting legal in tennessee
Yes, online sports betting was officially legalized in Tennessee on May 24, 2019 when Governor Bill Lee allowed House Bill 0001 (HB0001) to pass without his signature. Lee’s lukewarm approval felt like a compromise between his anti-gambling philosophy and lawmakers desires because the bill’s final version didn’t include in-person casinos which Lee was adamantly opposed to. Bettors in Tennessee are happy they are able to bet on sports, but it should be noted they aren’t able to wager on NCAA player props or NCAA live betting. Unlike in the neighboring state of Kentucky, bets on the NFL Draft are allowed in Tennessee.
tennessee quick facts
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Launch Date: November, 2020 -
ImageLegal Betting Age: 21 years old
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ImageOnline Sports Betting: Yes
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ImageOnline Casino Sites: No
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ImageOnline Poker Sites: No
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ImageBest Available Sportsbook: FanDuel
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ImageRegulatory Body: Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council
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ImageLegal online sportsbooks: 10
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ImageCollege Sports Betting: Yes, but no college player props or college live betting
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ImagePolitical or entertainment betting: No
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ImageHigh School sports Betting: No
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ImageEsports betting: Yes
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ImageNFL Draft: Yes
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ImageRemote registration: Yes
timeline of betting legislation & latest news
Despite Governor Bill Lee’s outspoken opposition to the gambling industry, Tennessee passed sports betting legislation without his signature in May of 2019. Governor Lee could have vetoed the bill, but instead made a statement saying he’ll allow the bill to pass as he was glad the bill didn’t pursue casinos which he called, “The most harmful form of gambling.” Lee promised to veto future gambling expansion bills in his state.
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may 14, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for each state to legalize sports betting.
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november 7, 2018
House Bill 0001 (HB0001) is filed in the house. The Bill seeks to legalize sports betting in Tennessee.
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december 18, 2018
Senate Bill 0016 (S0016), the companion bill to HB0001, is filed in the senate.
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april 30, 2019
HB0001 passed through the senate by a vote of 20-12. HB0001 passed in the house by a vote of 51-40.
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may 24, 2019
Governor Bill Lee doesn’t sign HB0001, but he doesn’t veto it either, thus sports betting is legalized in the state without his signature.
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november 1, 2020
Online sports betting kicks off in Tennessee with the launch of four online apps.
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may 27, 2021
Gov. Lee signed SB 588 which allows the Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) to regulate sports betting in the state instead of the Tennessee Education Lottery. The transition is effective January 1, 2022.
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january 1, 2022
SWAC begins to regulate sports betting in Tennessee.
how to start betting in tennessee
Sports betting in Tennessee is easy thanks to remote registration which allows bettors to register for a sportsbook and deposit money into their account from anywhere in the state, even the Smoky Mountains (if you have service). If you’re over 21-years-old and in Tennessee, you can download your favorite sports betting app on a smartphone, deposit money, verify your identity, and begin betting instantly.
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select a sportsook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
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create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
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deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
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choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
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place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
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withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
Prior to 1997, Tennessee bettors didn’t have any in-state teams to route for in the NFL, MLB, NBA or NHL. Bettors in Tennessee now have an NFL Team, NHL team, and NBA team to keep things interesting throughout the year. Tennessee's teams have had mixed success since they’ve joined the Volunteer State.
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ImageNHL – Nashville Predators: The Predators’ hockey season runs from early October through April, although it can be extended into May and June if the team makes the playoffs. The Predators play their home games at Bridgestone Arena and were founded in 1998. They have made one Stanley Cup Final, in 2017, but lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.
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ImageNBA – Memphis Grizzlies: Originally founded in 1995 as the Vancouver Grizzlies, the franchise moved to Memphis in 2001 and plays its home games at FedEx Forum. Their season runs from October through April, and although they’ve made the postseason frequently, the 2023-24 season has been a disappointing one. The Grizzlies have never reached the NBA Finals.
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ImageNFL – Tennessee Titans: Originally founded in 1960 as the Houston Oilers, the team moved to Tennessee in 1997 and has been the Titans since 1999. The Titans have been relatively successful, making 10 playoff appearances in that time and one Super Bowl in the 1999 season. The team plays its home games at Nissan Stadium. The Titans have had some fun moments as a franchise thanks to Eddie George, the late Steve McNair and the iconic “Music City Miracle.”
USA Betting News
responsible gaming message from tennessee
Five percent of all sportsbook revenue in Tennessee is earmarked for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse’s efforts to combat problem gambling. The Tennessee REDLINE is a 24-hour hotline (800-889-9789) for individuals and families seeking problem gambling services. Since 1999, The Gambling Clinic (TGC) has specialized in helping those in Tennessee struggling with gambling addiction get connected with relevant resources. On TGC’s website, you can learn more about therapy, take a screening test, and schedule a consultation.