Tennessee Sports Betting

Tennessee Legal Sports Betting Overview

Tennessee Sports Betting Summary

Governor Bill Lee legalized sports betting by allowing the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act to pass into law without his signature in 2019. It surprised many as Tennessee has no casinos, horse racetracks, or pari-mutuel horse betting. Lawmakers in the Volunteer State surprisingly opted for a mobile-only sports betting market, the first of its kind in the US. The first TN online sportsbooks launched on November 1, 2020. As of June 2022, retail sports betting is still prohibited in the state.

Tennessee Representative Rick Staples first introduced HB 001 in 2019, but it was not without opposition. Representative Jason Powell proposed an amendment to the bill to ban gambling on holidays like Christmas and on Sundays between 3pm and 10pm. Despite Tennessee’s aversion to gambling in the past, the betting market has since flourished. Nine mobile sportsbooks are now available, and more are expected to launch soon in the Volunteer State. Read our complete guide to learn everything you need to know about sports betting in TN.

Tennessee Online Sportsbooks Compared

With nine online sportsbooks and three more set to launch soon, bettors in TN have plenty of options. We’ve highlighted some of the top features of Tennessee sportsbooks to help you pick the right betting site for you:

• Best Mobile App – DraftKings

DraftKings is widely regarded as having one of the smoothest and most responsive mobile platforms. Live streaming, powerful geolocation tracking software that allows smooth connectivity, and being easy to use make this sportsbook our No. 1 choice for the best mobile app in almost every state it’s available. You can download the app from Apple and Android app stores or the DraftKings website.

Get your DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best Welcome Bonus – Caesars

Bettors in Tennessee can take advantage of Caesars’ generous welcome bonus of up to $1,250 in bet credit if your first wager loses. You will receive the entire wager back in bet credit if your first bet loses. If you then win with the wager made using bet credit, you get to keep your winnings. There are no wagering requirements on your winnings, but your profits won’t include the stake made with bet credit.

Claim your Caesars Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Competitive Odds – BetMGM

While most sportsbooks offer occasional odds boosts and offers, BetMGM provides the most frequent and generous promotions of any TN sportsbook. Its daily odds boosts on major league sports like the MLB and NHL provide many chances for making a profit. There are also Lion Boosts on the most popular events. Yet, you can also find competitive betting odds on spreads, totals, and moneylines.

Get your BetMGM Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Market Coverage – FanDuel

FanDuel runs on the Scientific Games’ OpenSports engine, meaning it offers an extensive selection of betting lines for major sports markets including the NBA and NFL. It also provides additional markets like athletics, cycling, motorsport, Aussie Rules, and water polo. You can bet on live markets for most sports on this sportsbook, perfect if you enjoy wagering while the action is ongoing.

Claim your FanDuel Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – WynnBET

When you’re a beginner bettor, simplicity is welcome. WynnBET has created a streamlined betting platform covering all major league US sports without overwhelming bettors with too many options. The site is also very responsive and easy to navigate. WynnBET welcomes payment methods you’ll recognize from your day-to-day life like Visa and Mastercard, and its $10 minimum deposit means you don’t have to risk much to try it out. Its other payment options are all trusted and globally approved options like PayPal.

Get your WynnBET Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Payout Speed – Wagr

This sportsbook is exclusively available in Tennessee and looks more like a social media site than a bookmaker. Wagr is a peer-to-peer-based platform, which means you’re betting against your friends rather than the sportsbook itself. All bets are pre-funded and automatically re-routed to the winner.

The only payment method available for both deposits and withdrawals with Wagr is online banking, and withdrawn funds usually take a couple of days to arrive in your account. Most sportsbooks take at least 48 hours to process a bank transfer withdrawal, so Wagr’s payout speed is unmatched in Tennessee.

How to Place a Bet in Tennessee

There are no retail sportsbooks in Tennessee, so you need to register with one of its nine licensed online sportsbooks if you want to place wagers. Follow our guide below to sign up and place your first bet in minutes:

1. Choose one of our recommended sportsbooks and click their link on this page to visit its site.

2. Download the app by visiting your chosen betting site. Alternatively, you can head to your mobile device’s app store.

3. Enter your name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to sign up. You must also enable geolocation services on your device so the sportsbook can check you’re within Tennessee state borders.

4. Head to your chosen sportsbook’s cashier and select a payment method for your first deposit. Most welcome packages have a minimum deposit amount, so add this amount to receive your bonuses.

5. Browse through the available markets and select your first bet. Add it to your bet slip, confirm the amount you wish to wager, and place the bet.

6. Betting laws in Tennessee require you to verify your account before making a withdrawal. To do so, upload or email copies of your photo ID and proof of address to the sportsbook.

7. Once your account is verified, you can request a withdrawal from the cashier section.

Who is Eligible to Bet in Tennessee?

You can legally bet in Tennessee as long as you’re within state lines and at least 21 years old. It’s important to note there are a few exceptions to this rule, which relate to certain positions or government restrictions:

• Coaches, athletes, or staff involved in college sports.

• Coaches, athletes, or staff involved in professional sports.

• Individuals involved with a professional or college sports team with authority to influence athletes.

• Any referees employed for professional or college events.

• Individuals with a stake in a sports team.

• Individuals who can access information about the team who could impact the outcome of a game (e.g., player medical records).

• Any employees of sports leagues that create rules and regulations for both professional and college sports teams (e.g., NBA, NCAA).

• Any employees of sports betting platforms or organizations licensed by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) (e.g., officers, owners, key staff members, and directors).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

• Individuals prohibited from wagering by the state or federal government (e.g., due to criminal history).

Latest Tennessee Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Tennessee

• January 1, 2022: Responsibility for licensing and regulating sports betting passes from the Tennessee Education Lottery to the Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC).

• November 1, 2020: BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Action 24/7 all launch. This marks the start of online sports betting in Tennessee.

• June 4, 2019: HB 0001 passes without Gov. Lee’s signature and online sports betting becomes legal in Tennessee.

• January 1, 2018: Rep. Staples introduces HB 001 to legalize mobile sports betting in Tennessee. The bill does not include retail sports betting.

• May 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), giving every state in the US the right to legalize sports betting.

• April 2016: Gov. Bill Haslam signs the Fantasy Sports Act to legalize Daily Fantasy Sports, letting operators like DraftKings and FanDuel launch their platforms in TN.

Tennessee Sports Betting Background

Tennessee does not have much of a sports betting background, as the state was stringent on gambling before the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018. That’s why there are no land-based casinos or horse racetracks in TN. Gov. Lee even rejected legalizing sports betting soon after the PASPA decision. When HB 001 passed through the House and Senate, Gov. Lee refused to sign. However, he did allow the law to pass, which legalized sports betting in Tennessee.

The Future of Tennessee Sports Betting

There are no changes to Tennessee sports betting legislation on the horizon. However, the decision to switch power from the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation to the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council may see developments happen in the future.

On March 10, 2022, the SWAC approved SuperBet, Gamewise, and BallyBet for mobile betting. These will become available to Tennesseans later this year and more sportsbooks may launch with the SWAC now in charge.

Tennessee Sports Betting Locations

There are no brick-and-mortar casinos in Tennessee due to strong opposition to these gambling establishments led by Gov. Lee. This is also one of the reasons why the state has no retail sportsbooks, as most states launch retail betting locations at land-based casinos. In addition, the state has no tribal casinos, unlike other regions. While this looks unlikely to change soon, Tennessee could follow the route of Washington D.C. and launch retail sports betting at sports stadiums rather than at land-based casinos. The Tennessee Titans, Memphis Grizzlies, and Nashville Predators have entered into deals with BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings respectively.

Still, if you want to place bets in person, you can cross the border and visit one of Mississippi’s land-based casinos with a retail sportsbook. None of Tennessee’s other neighbors that have casinos - Arkansas, Alabama, and Missouri - provide retail sports betting.

Tennessee Lottery Locations

The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation, which operates the Tennessee Lottery, was created in June 2003. The Lottery Corporation used to license all sportsbooks in the state. Despite this, the state lottery never signed a partnership with any sportsbooks to provide retail sports betting at lottery retailers.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Tennessee has no operational horse racetracks despite being home to many horse racing fans. As such, there are no off-track betting (OTB) locations. However, you can bet on horse racing through a sportsbook that offers this type of wagering.

There is some hope for retail horse racing betting in Tennessee, though, as the state formed the Horse Racing Advisory Committee in 2016 to test the feasibility of live racing.

Tennessee Responsible Gambling Resources

• Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services – The Tennessee-based government health department operates both Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program and the Problem Gambling Outreach, Education, & Referrals Program. (800) 560-5767

• Tennessee Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (TAADAS) – A 24/7 referral hotline where callers can seek help finding gambling addiction assessment and treatment services. (800) 889-9789

• National Problem Gambling Helpline – A 24/7 gambling addiction hotline that provides resources and referrals for all 50 states, Canada, and the US Virgin Islands. It also offers text and live chat services. (800) 522-4700

Like most states where sports betting is legal, Tennessee encourages voluntary self-exclusion whereby players block themselves from gambling. Self-exclusion in Tennessee is bound to each operator, so bettors must contact them directly.

As part of licensing requirements, all sportsbooks in Tennessee must provide responsible gambling tools that players can apply to prevent the development of harmful gambling habits. These include account restrictions like deposit, loss, wager and session limits, self-assessment tools, and contact information for local gambling support groups. As part of these programs, sportsbooks are prohibited from sending any promotional materials.

Teams to Bet on in Tennessee

• Pro Sports

Tennessee Titans: The Titans have never won the NFL Championship but did reach Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999. This was just two years after moving from Houston to Tennessee. The Titans are partnered with BetMGM.

Memphis Grizzlies: The Memphis Grizzlies were originally established as the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1996, but the team relocated to Memphis in 2001. The Grizzlies’ most significant strength is point guard Ja Morant, who was given the NBA Most Improved Player award for the 2022 season. The Grizzlies announced a sports betting partnership with FanDuel in 2020.

Nashville Predators: The Nashville Predators, who are partnered with DraftKings, play in the NHL’s Central Division. While the team has never won the Stanley Cup, it did win a Conference Championship in 2017 and finished runner-up to NHL champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

• College Sports

Austin Peay Governors: There are 15 varsity teams sponsored by Austin Peay State University, including tennis, golf, and basketball for both men and women.

Belmont Bruins: There is an intense rivalry between Belmont University and Lipscomb University, often nicknamed the Battle of the Boulevard. The Bruins came out on top in the 2006 Atlantic Sun championship to claim its first-ever place in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Chattanooga Mocs: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was formerly a Division II school and won three NCAA Championships in women’s tennis. However, the Mocs have never won a Division I championship.

East Tennessee State Buccaneers: Conference championships in golf seem to come frequently for East Tennessee State University, with the Buccaneers winning 24 since 1970.

Lipscomb Bisons: Competing in the ASUN Conference, Lipscomb University sponsors 15 varsity teams and enjoys a rivalry with Belmont University.

Memphis Tigers: The baseball team at the University of Memphis has appeared in the NCAA Division I Men’s Baseball Tournament five times. Its basketball program has won 11 conference tournament championships.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: Golf and tennis are the most successful sports at Middle Tennessee State University, with the Blue Raiders winning an NCAA team championship in both.

Tennessee State Tigers: The Tennessee State University Tigers have played the Jackson State University Tigers in the Southern Heritage Classic football game every year since 1990.

Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles: Rifle shooting is the most successful program at Tennessee Technological University, with the Golden Eagles winning three NCAA team championships and five NCAA individual championships.

Tennessee Volunteers: The University of Tennessee’s football team played its first game in 1891 and has won six national football championships.

UT Martin Skyhawks: The University of Tennessee at Martin claimed its first NCAA Championship in 1987 when its rifle shooting program was victorious. The Skyhawks also won a NIRA College Rodeo team championship in 2015.

Vanderbilt Commodores: Vanderbilt University’s baseball program has been running since 1886 and won its first of two NCAA College World Series in 2014.

• Women’s Sports

There are no professional women’s sports teams in Tennessee. However, many colleges boast successful women’s sports programs like the University of Tennessee. The Volunteers’ women’s basketball program has won eight national championships.

How Does Tennessee Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Tennessee sportsbooks cover a range of sports markets, from major professional leagues like the NFL and NHL to international sports like European soccer. The available sports match those offered by sportsbooks in other US states. Tennessee is also welcoming to college betting. Unlike New York, where in-state college betting is banned, the only type of college wagering Tennessee prohibits is live prop bets on teams or prop bets on individual athletes.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

Since most Tennessee sportsbooks operate across the US, we found no clear differences between the odds available in Tennessee and other states. That said, some sportsbooks do offer unique promotions and boosted odds for each state. For example, BetMGM has a partnership with the Tennessee Titans to provide exclusive odds and offers.

• Gambling Revenue

As of June 2022, Tennessee has the tenth highest overall betting handle in the US at $4.4B. The Volunteer State handled $292.8M in April 2022, produced its biggest monthly handle of $386M in January 2022 and generated a handle of almost $1.4B in the first four months of 2022. This was 77.7% higher than in the first four months of 2021.

All sportsbooks in Tennessee are subject to 20% revenue tax. While this is a high tax rate compared to Michigan (8.40%) or Iowa (6.75%), it is still less than half of New York (51%) and lower than Pennsylvania (36%). By June 2022, Tennessee had collected combined tax revenue of more than $62.7m since the legalization of online sportsbooks.

• Betting Taxes

The Internal Revenue Code dictates that every US sportsbook must pay 0.25% of its betting handle in tax. In addition, sportsbooks must pay a $50 fee for every employee involved in accepting sports bets.

When completing your taxes, you must declare any winnings you make from gambling to the IRS. For winnings over $600, you will need to fill in a W-2G form which the sportsbook will send you. Sportsbooks can also hold up to 24% of your winnings for tax purposes. In these instances, the burden to report the winnings is passed on to the sportsbook, and you won’t need to fill in a W-2G form.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) oversees all sports betting activity in the state. Before 2022, the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation was in control of sports betting licenses and regulations. However, a backlog of applications from potential operators began to pile up, and SWAC took over the process in January 2022.

Alongside awarding sportsbook licenses to operators that meet the state’s gambling standards, SWAC is responsible for collecting the state’s sportsbook taxes. 20% of the gross gaming revenue is collected in taxes, 80% of which goes to the Lottery for Education account.

A further 15% is distributed to local governments, while the council channels the remaining 5% into problem gambling programs provided by the Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. This includes the Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program and the Problem Gambling Outreach, Education, & Referrals Program.

Every sportsbook operating in Tennessee must pay a licensing fee of $750,000. This might seem steep compared to states like New Jersey and Indiana, where the initial license costs $100,000. However, the online-only setup means Tennessee sportsbooks don’t pay partnership fees to a brick-and-mortar casino. Each sportsbook must also pay a $50,000 non-refundable application fee to the Tennessee Promise Scholarship fund.