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Tennessee Betting Laws

If you don’t believe the future of sports betting is online and mobile, then look at Tennessee.

The state registered a really strong handle of $131million in stakes for its first month of operation in November 2020. With only online and mobile options. December’s handle was up considerably at $180million. When January 2021 came in at $211million it took the total for the first three months to more than $500million. Rapid growth indeed.

The Volunteer State clearly has a bright sports betting outlook. As well as its own population of 6.886million (2020 estimate) it is likely to net plenty of custom from bordering states who aren’t as forward-thinking.

The Tennessee Titans are the biggest deal in sports terms in the state, operating in the National Football League. But they are rivaled strongly by the University of Tennessee. The most famous Vol in recent years? None other than iconic QB Peyton Manning.

Tennessee also has a couple of other pro sports franchises – the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA and the Nashville Predators in the NHL.

If the opening months’ handle is anything to grow by, TN should be a strong player in driving betting revenues. That figure is only set to go one way, and that is up.

Is sports betting legal in Tennessee?

Yes, sports betting is legal and legit in the state of Tennessee – since November 2020.

You can bet anywhere in-state as long as you are of legal age and not on any relevant exclusion list.

As already detailed, there are no land-based sportsbooks so everything is online and mobile. For now you have a select list of options that is likely to grow.

There was one really controversial thing to come out of legalization in Tennessee. The state imposed a 90% cap on what sportsbooks can pay out in a year. Meaning they have to hold 10%. 

That is potentially really bad news for anybody looking for great value odds and markets. There is a chance the controversial cap will not last for ever. Experts are split about the impact it will have on TN handle growth.

Where can I bet in Tennessee?

There are currently four online and mobile sportsbooks operating legally in Tennessee:

The first three named are all hugely credible national players. Action247 meanwhile is a locally owned and operated sportsbook based in Nashville.

There are now three further sportsooks licensed and about to open for business in TN – WynnBet, William Hill and Churchill Downs. They are all expected to be in action by March 2021.

All major sportsbooks offer sign-up offers and bonuses for new bettors, so shop around to make sure you get the value. Of course, you could sign up for all of them…

Do you need to be resident in Tennessee to bet there?

You do not need to be a resident of Tennessee to bet there. States generally pass down laws for betting based on location when you bet, not residency. Good news.

What is the legal sports betting age in Tennessee?

You must be at least 21 years of age to bet legally on sports in the state of Tennessee.

How do I place a sports bet online in Tennessee?

  • Check out the list of available legal sportsbooks in Tennessee
  • Choose one you’d like to bet with (check out the sign-up offers first)
  • Visit the website or download the app to your phone
  • Register for an account
  • Deposit funds into your account
  • Choose which sport and line you’d like to bet on
  • Choose your selection and how much you want to bet
  • Place your bet

What type of sports bets can I place in Tennessee?

Moneyline: Yes

Point Spread: Yes

Parlay: Yes

Teasers: Yes

Futures: Yes

Over/Under: Yes

Round Robin: Yes

What sports can I bet on in Tennessee?

You can bet on all major sports in Tennessee, including:

NB: Tennessee does not allow in-game player props in collegiate sports.

Legal sports betting near Tennessee

You’re in a pretty good place if you’re spending most or all of your timein the state of Tennesse – you can bet anywhere as long as you’re of legal age.

But some people love the experience of visiting a casino to bet with a sportsbook. It’s not just about the betting, but the fun. There are plenty of places around the U.S. we could refer to as ‘little Vegas’.

Here are the best land-based options to bet near to Tennessee if you are on the move:

Mississippi: No mobile or online options, but more than 20 land and water-based sportsbooks. Most housed in a few specific locations. Tunica Resorts for example a nice spot with a ton of options. Again, you need to be 21 or older to bet.

Arkansas: No mobile options, and just three land-based venues. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Southland Racing Casino in West Memphis and Saracen Casino Annex in Pine Bluff. Yet again, legal age to enter and place a bet is 21.

Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Tennessee?

Offshore sportsbooks are not legal in the state of Tennessee – despite what some outlets may report.

And to be honest, you don’t need to bet with offshore firms – you have legal options right here in-state.

We are concerned by the lack of consumer protection if you bet with offshore books. So our advice is to avoid them and stick to legal options closer to home.