Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Tennessee?
If you’re asking “is online sports betting Tennessee legal right now?” the answer is yes. Tennessee made sports betting legal in November 2020, but it took a unique path: it is a mobile-only market. There are no retail sportsbooks or casinos where you can place a bet. That makes Tennessee one of the most distinctive sports gambling legal states in the country. All wagers happen through licensed online sports betting apps, from NFL betting on the Titans to March Madness action.
Online Sports Betting Tennessee: How It Started
Tennessee legalized sports betting in 2019, and the market officially launched in November 2020. Instead of approving casinos or in-person sportsbooks, lawmakers built a system where all betting is done online.
The state started with four sportsbook operators and has since grown to more than a dozen apps. Oversight shifted to the Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) in 2021, which now regulates licensing and compliance.
Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!
Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Tennessee?
Yes. Sports betting legal online is fully available in Tennessee. Anyone 21 or older who is physically located inside the state can download an app and place bets. Geolocation software ensures players are inside Tennessee borders.
This setup mirrors other online sports betting USA markets, but Tennessee’s lack of retail sportsbooks makes it stand out. You can’t walk into a casino to bet, because no casinos exist in the state.
Online Sports Betting Apps in Tennessee
Tennessee has one of the most competitive online-only markets in the U.S. Current licensed sportsbook apps include:
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- ESPN BET
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- bet365
- Hard Rock Bet
- Action 24/7 (Tennessee-based operator)
- Betly and Bally Bet (smaller regional options)
Example: A Titans fan in Nashville wants to place a $30 NFL betting parlay. Using DraftKings, they combine Derrick Henry anytime touchdown, Titans +3.5, and the over on total points. Within seconds, the bet is placed, tracked live, and settled through the app.
This variety of sportsbook apps ensures competition, with operators offering promos, odds boosts, and different features to attract users.
Online Sports Betting How To in Tennessee
Getting started with online sports betting Tennessee is simple:
- Choose a licensed sportsbook app from the official list.
- Download and create an account.
- Verify your identity and confirm you’re 21+.
- Deposit funds using debit card, PayPal, or online banking.
- Browse sports betting markets like NFL betting, NBA lines, or MLB props.
- Place your wager and track it live within the app.
Unlike other states, you don’t need to visit a retail sportsbook or casino to register. Everything is handled digitally.
What You Can Bet On in Tennessee
Tennessee’s online sportsbooks offer a full range of betting options, including:
- NFL betting, NBA spreads, MLB moneylines, NHL totals.
- Soccer, golf, tennis, and international leagues.
- Parlays, live in-game betting, and futures markets.
Restrictions include:
- No player prop betting on college athletes.
- No betting on high school or amateur sports.
Otherwise, Tennessee bettors have access to the same markets found in other sports gambling legal states.
Tennessee’s Unique Sports Betting Tax System
In 2023, Tennessee became the first state to switch from a revenue-based tax to a handle-based tax. Operators now pay 1.85% of all wagers placed, rather than a percentage of net revenue.
This system is unique to Tennessee and ensures consistent tax revenue regardless of sportsbook promotions or payouts. Other online sports betting USA states have considered similar models, but Tennessee remains the only one to use it.
Tennessee Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States
Tennessee’s market stands apart:
- Virginia: Multiple sportsbook apps plus retail options.
- Kentucky: Recently launched, with both retail and online sportsbooks.
- Tennessee: Online-only, no casinos or physical sportsbooks.
While the lack of retail betting might feel limiting, Tennessee’s focus on online sports betting legal apps has created a strong digital market.
Online Sports Betting Example: College Hoops in Tennessee
Imagine it’s March Madness, and a fan in Knoxville wants to back the Volunteers. On FanDuel, they place a $50 wager on Tennessee -4.5 against an out-of-state opponent, parlaying it with the over on total points.
That bet is legal and instantly confirmed through the app. The only restriction: no player prop wagers on individual college athletes. Everything else, from spreads to totals, is allowed.
Market Performance and Revenue
Tennessee’s mobile-only market generates hundreds of millions in wagers each month. Since launch, the state has consistently ranked among mid-tier sports gambling legal states in total handle.
NFL betting dominates the market, with the Titans fueling local interest. College football and March Madness also drive major activity.
Responsible Gambling in Tennessee
The Sports Wagering Advisory Council enforces responsible gambling rules. Licensed apps must offer tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and timeouts.
A portion of tax revenue also supports responsible gambling programs and public initiatives across the state.
The Future of Online Sports Betting Tennessee
The market is stable and unlikely to expand into retail sportsbooks anytime soon. Lawmakers have embraced the online-only model, and it has proven effective.
Expect more sportsbook apps, advanced features like micro-betting, and continued growth in promos as competition intensifies. Tennessee will remain one of the most unique online sports betting USA markets in the years ahead.
Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Tennessee
Online sports betting Tennessee is legal, live, and entirely digital. Since 2020, the state has offered only online wagering, with more than a dozen sportsbook apps available. Bettors can place NFL betting wagers, NBA parlays, or March Madness bets from anywhere inside Tennessee.
With its unique handle-based tax system and mobile-only model, Tennessee stands out among sports gambling legal states. While there are restrictions on college props, the market is otherwise wide open for fans.
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