Gambling in Tennessee is shaped by a strict regulatory and legal framework. Unlike many U.S. states that have casinos, tribal gaming, or a wide variety of wagering options, Tennessee has taken a more conservative approach.
Traditional casino-style gambling (slots, table games, roulette, etc.) is largely not licensed or regulated, whether online or land-based. Instead, the state permits a narrower set of gambling forms: a state-run lottery, charitable games (like bingo and raffles) under limited conditions, and, recently, online sports betting under a regulated licensing scheme.
Because of these limitations, the gambling landscape in Tennessee looks quite different from that in states with casinos or tribal gaming operations. Many of the familiar forms of gambling simply aren’t available, while others are strictly regulated or limited to specific formats.
Best Online Sportsbooks in Tennessee
Best Online Gambling Sites in Tennessee
Recent Gambling News from the State of Tennessee
Loading...More Tennessee News
Overview: Tennessee Tribes and Their Role in State Betting
In many U.S. states, Native American tribes operate casinos under federal law (especially under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, IGRA), shaping much of the local gambling industry.
However, in Tennessee, the situation is very different. The state currently does not have any federally recognized tribes, and therefore no tribal gaming operations exist.
Because of the lack of federally recognized tribes and the prohibitive state laws against casino gambling, there is no tribal-based gambling infrastructure in Tennessee. As a result, tribes play no formal role in the state’s licensed gambling operations.
The Volunteer State doesn’t have tribal casinos, tribal compacts, and no tribal partnerships for gambling enterprises under state regulation.
Key Tennessee Tribes and Their Operations
Because there are no federally recognized tribes in Tennessee, there are no tribal operations related to gambling in the state.
Thus, no profiles of tribal casinos, operations, or tribal-state gaming agreements exist for Tennessee.
In effect, this means that the tribal dimension of gambling, which in other states accounts for a significant share of casino and gambling revenue, simply does not apply in Tennessee.
Current Tennessee Gambling Laws
Tennessee Code
The Tennessee Code covers majority of the Tennessee laws governing gambling within the state:
Tennessee Code § 39-17-501 (Definitions)
This part defines “Gambling” as risking anything of value for a profit whose return is to any degree contingent on chance. It explicitly excludes “lawful business transactions,” the state lottery, authorized fantasy sports, authorized sports wagering, and certain low-level sports entertainment pools.
Tennessee Code § 39-17-502 (Gambling)
This section makes the act of gambling a crime. The offense of gambling is a Class C misdemeanor.
Tennessee Code § 39-17-503 (Gambling promotion)
According to this, the state prohibits knowingly inducing or aiding another to engage in gambling with the intent to derive an economic benefit other than personal winnings (e.g., operating a gambling business). This is a Class B misdemeanor.
Tennessee Code § 39-17-504 (Aggravated gambling promotion)
The state of Tennessee prohibits knowingly investing in, financing, owning, controlling, or managing a gambling enterprise (two or more persons regularly engaged in gambling promotion). This is a Class E felony.
Tennessee Code § 39-17-505 (Possession of gambling device or record)
This section prohibits the knowing ownership, manufacturing, possession, buying, selling, or transporting of any gambling device or record. This is a Class B misdemeanor, and the devices are considered contraband subject to seizure.
Tennessee Code Title 4, Chapter 49 (Tennessee Sports Gaming Act)
The state of Tennessee authorizes and regulates online and mobile sports wagering within the state. It establishes the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) to oversee licensing, regulation, and enforcement.
The law also includes provisions for taxation, responsible gaming, and prohibitions (e.g., no prop betting on all NCAA football and basketball games).
Tennessee Code Title 3, Chapter 17 (Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law)
This Tennessee Code allows eligible 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) nonprofit organizations to hold one annual “game of chance” fundraising event per year.
It specifies eligible game types (like raffles and bingo, but prohibits slot machines and casino games), requires an application and approval by a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly, and sets requirements for use of proceeds.
Tennessee Code Title 4, Chapter 36 (Tennessee Horse Racing Act)
This Tennessee Code authorizes and regulates licensed horse racing, interstate simulcast wagering, and pari-mutuel wagering at licensed satellite teletheaters.
Tennessee Code Title 4, Chapter 51 (Tennessee Education Lottery Implementation Law)
Through this Tennessee Code, the state establishes and regulates the Tennessee Education Lottery, which was authorized by a constitutional amendment to fund educational programs.
Latest Tennessee Legislative Updates
SWAC Rule Revisions (Effective June 30, 2025)
These revisions strengthen player protection and build on efforts to eliminate fraudulent activity. Key changes include:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Now required when a patron adds a debit card.
- Responsible Gaming: New definitions for terms like “Account cool-off,” “Licensee-specific self-exclusion list,” and new reporting requirements.
- Account Activity: Operators must suspend an account if they are aware of five failed deposit attempts within 30 minutes.
- KYC (Know Your Customer): Account verification must fail if the phone number/device is associated with prior fraudulent activity.
Legislative Clarification (HB0131/SB0193)
The bill was Introduced (2025-2026 Session). This bill seeks to clarify that the general Tennessee law voiding wagering contracts does not apply to wagers made under the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act. This would legally solidify the enforceability of bets placed on licensed platforms.
SB0941/HB0941
This law modified the Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law by creating a special, short-term application window for eligible nonprofit organizations.
This was a temporary measure to allow organizations to submit applications for the annual gaming event period (July 1 to June 30) outside of the standard January 31 deadline. It also streamlined certain reporting requirements.
Tennessee Land-Based Sports Betting
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Tennessee does not allow land-based (physical) sports betting. The state has adopted an online-only model: there are no physical sportsbooks at casinos, racetracks, or retail venues. All legal sports betting must be conducted through licensed online operators, with geolocation verification ensuring the bettor is physically within state borders.
This makes Tennessee somewhat unique among U.S. states. Many states that permit sports betting allow both online and land-based (retail) sportsbooks. In Tennessee, the decision was deliberate: the regulation framework under the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWAC) only issues licenses for digital wagering platforms, and state law prevents the establishment of retail sportsbooks.
Because of this, bettors in Tennessee must rely on mobile apps or websites (desktop or mobile) for sports wagering.
List of Land-Based Sports Betting Operations in Tennessee
There are no land-based sports betting operations in Tennessee: no retail sportsbooks, casino sportsbooks, or racetrack betting windows. This is due to the state prohibiting physical sportsbooks by law.
Tennessee Online Sports Betting
Status: Legal
Online sports betting is the primary and only form of legal sports wagering in Tennessee. Legalization came through the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, which was passed in 2019. The state launched its regulated online sports betting market in 2020.
Under this model:
- Betting is only allowed through licensed platforms (mobile apps or websites) regulated by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWAC).
- Bettors must be physically located in Tennessee (geolocation required) when placing a wager.
- Age restrictions apply: bettors generally must be at least 21 years old to wager.
Moreover, operators must comply with licensing, background checks, technical and financial audits, and other regulatory standards including responsible gaming, account security, and consumer protections.
This framework has made Tennessee one of the most accessible states for online sports betting, but also one of the most restrictive for other forms of gambling.
List of Online Sports Betting Operations in Tennessee
DraftKings
Operator: Crown TN Gaming LLC under license from the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC)
DraftKings is a leading U.S. sportsbook and daily-fantasy-sports operator that offers a wide variety of bet types: moneylines, spreads, totals, parlays, futures, live (in-play) betting, and more.
This gives Tennessee bettors access to a full suite of professional, collegiate, and international sports wagering.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Operator: Betfair Interactive US LLC under SWC license
Known for a user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and frequent promotions and bonuses, FanDuel Sportsbook is among the most popular apps for sportsbook users in Tennessee.
BetMGM
Operator: BetMGM, LLC (Roar Digital) under SWC license.
BetMGM sportsbook emphasizes a broad offering of bet types and often markets promotions and parlay features, appealing to bettors interested in stacking bets or taking advantage of odds boosts.
Caesars Sportsbook
Operator: American Wagering, Inc. under SWC license,
As a legacy casino-brand sportsbook, Caesars offers familiar branding and service structure, often including odds boosts, promotions, and a wide sportsbook catalogue across major and niche sports.
ESPN BET (rebranding soon to theScore Bet)
Operator: PENN Entertainment (Penn Sports Interactive, LLC) under SWC license.
As of December 1, 2025, the ESPN BET sportsbook will be rebranded theScore Bet, following the early termination of Penn’s partnership with ESPN.
The platform provided sportsbook services with standard bet types, and under theScore Bet the same infrastructure is slated to continue, leveraging Penn’s theScore media app footprint.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Operator: FBG Enterprises Opco, LLC under SWC license
Fanatics Sportsbook offers sports wagering on major leagues and events, with typical options such as moneylines, spreads, totals, parlays, and live bets.
Its Terms of Service are enforced for Tennessee bettors, and the app is among the licensed mobile-only sportsbooks in the state.
Hard Rock Bet
Operator: Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC under SWC license
Hard Rock Bet provides a mobile sportsbook (no physical retail locations in Tennessee), offering a broad range of sports, bet types, parlays, props, and promotional features designed for both beginners and experienced bettors.
bet365
Operator: Hillside (Tennessee) LLC under SWC license
As a globally recognized sportsbook brand, bet365 brings a deep catalog of betting options. This includes providing international sports, markets, and odds to Tennessee’s online-only market.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for Tennessee Residents
Betting sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Tennessee players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Tennessee players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Tennessee Land-Based Casino Gambling
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based casino gambling is illegal in Tennessee. There are no commercial casinos, tribal casinos, or racetrack casinos permitted within the state. The relevant constitutional and statutory prohibitions.
This includes the constitutional ban on games of chance associated with casinos (Art. XI, §5) and the statutory prohibition on gambling devices and casino operations (§39-17-501) preclude any licensed land-based casino operations.
As a result, there is no state-sanctioned land-based casino industry operating in The Volunteer State.
List of Land-Based Casino Operations in Tennessee
Because casino gambling is prohibited by law, there are no land-based casino operators in Tennessee. No commercial or tribal casinos exist, and no licensed casino operators operate within the state’s borders.
Tennessee Online Casino Gambling
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online casino gambling (slots, real-money table games, online poker, etc.) is also not licensed or regulated in Tennessee. The state’s regulatory framework and laws do not provide a licensing pathway for real-money online casinos.
Because of that prohibition, no state-regulated online casino platforms operate in Tennessee.
List of Online Casino Operations in Tennessee
Given the prohibition of real-money online casinos under Tennessee law, there are no state-licensed online casino operators operating within the state.
To date, real-money casino content (slots, roulette, blackjack, etc.) remains unregulated and unlicensed.
Other Online Casino Options for Tennessee Residents
Online casinos based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Tennessee players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Tennessee Poker
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Traditional land-based poker rooms or poker-related casino games are prohibited under Tennessee law. Because casino-style gaming is banned, poker as part of a casino or card-room environment is prohibited.
Currently, there is no licensing pathway for poker rooms or card clubs offering poker for real money in Tennessee.
List of Land-Based Poker Operations in Tennessee
There are no land-based poker operators legally operating in Tennessee. No poker rooms, card clubs, or casino-poker venues are permitted under current state law.
Tennessee Online Poker
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online poker is likewise not licensed or regulated in Tennessee. The state’s gambling law framework does not support licensing for online poker.
Because of that, players cannot access state-licensed online poker platforms from within Tennessee.
List of Online Poker Operations in Tennessee
Since online poker is not licensed or regulated under Tennessee law, there are no local online poker operators licensed to serve Tennessee residents.
Other Online Poker Options for Tennessee Residents
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Tennessee players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Tennessee players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Tennessee Land-Based Horse Betting
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based horse racing betting, which includes pari-mutuel wagering on horse races, is not licensed or regulated in Tennessee. Under the relevant statutes, pari-mutuel betting (and gambling devices associated with such betting) are unlawful.
To date, there are no licensed horse-racing tracks that offer pari-mutuel betting within the state.
List of Land-Based Horse Betting Operations in Tennessee
Because pari-mutuel horse betting is not licensed or regulated, there are no land-based horse betting operations legally operating in Tennessee.
Tennessee Online Horse Betting
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Tennessee does not license or regulate online horse betting (pari-mutuel wagering via online platforms). The state laws do not provide a framework for licensing or regulating online horse-race betting.
There are currently no locally-licensed online horse betting operators serving Tennessee residents under state law.
Other Online Horse Betting Options for Tennessee Residents
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Tennessee players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Tennessee Lotteries
Status: Legal
The state of Tennessee does allow lottery games under a regulated framework. The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation (TELC) operates the state lottery. This includes traditional draw games, scratch-off tickets, and other state-sanctioned lottery products.
Tennessee state laws generally allocates lottery revenue to educational and public-service programs, per state law. Because of the constitutional and statutory restrictions, lottery games remain among the few forms of legal, state-sanctioned gambling in Tennessee.
List of Tennessee Lottery Platforms
Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation (TELC)
The TELC manages the legal lottery operations in Tennessee. They offer state-approved draw games, scratch-offs, and other lottery products approved under state law.
Currently, there are no commercial or private lottery operators in the state. All lawful lottery activity is under TELC’s oversight.
Tennessee Sweepstakes
Status: Legal
“Sweepstakes” in Tennessee refers to promotional or social-casino-style platforms or events that attempt to offer casino-like games without requiring a real-money wager (or by using virtual credits, tokens, or “sweeps coins”).
Tennessee law specifically regulates sweepstakes, contests, and prize promotions under the Tennessee Code Title 47, Chapter 18, Part 1 (Consumer Protection Act).
Sweepstakes operators must offer a “No Purchase Necessary” method of entry (often referred to as an Alternative Method of Entry or AMOE). They should also abide by the Consumer Protection Act, as stated in the Tennessee Code.
If they comply, operators can offer sweepstakes within the state.
Tennessee Sweepstakes Casinos
Status: Gray Area
The state prohibits real-money casinos (both land-based and online), and it does not regulate or sanction sweepstakes/social casinos, so Tennessee has no officially licensed “sweepstakes casinos.”
Although some websites or operators may market themselves as “sweepstakes casinos” and accept Tennessee players, they operate outside of Tennessee’s regulated gambling framework.
Therefore, they carry legal uncertainty and lack state oversight for fairness, consumer protection, or responsible gaming mandates.
Tennessee Gambling FAQs
Still Here?
Check out everything we have to offer at Betting News!
We really are All About the Game!