Sports Betting Guides

NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Tennessee for Hockey

Tennessee is unique among sports betting states: it has legal online sports betting but NO retail sportsbooks. Tennessee legalized online-only sports betting when Governor Bill Lee allowed HB 0001 to become law in May 2019. The first bets were placed on November 1, 2020, making Tennessee one of the earliest post-PASPA adopters. Today, Tennessee offers 12 licensed online sportsbooks, a competitive market for hockey fans.

NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Tennessee for Hockey

Tennessee is unique among sports betting states: it has legal online sports betting but NO retail sportsbooks. Tennessee legalized online-only sports betting when Governor Bill Lee allowed HB 0001 to become law in May 2019. The first bets were placed on November 1, 2020, making Tennessee one of the earliest post-PASPA adopters. Today, Tennessee offers 12 licensed online sportsbooks, a competitive market for hockey fans.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Tennessee?

Yes, but online-only. Tennessee legalized online sports betting when Governor Bill Lee allowed HB 0001 (the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act) to become law in May 2019. Online betting launched on November 1, 2020.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 or older. The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWAC) regulates all sports betting activity. The SWAC replaced the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation's regulatory oversight on January 1, 2022. Tennessee has NO retail sportsbooks, all sports betting is done exclusively through licensed online sportsbooks. Tennessee currently has 12 licensed online sportsbooks: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, Fanatics, Hard Rock Bet, ESPN BET, Bally Bet, Action 24/7, Betly, and VIP Play (formerly ZenSports). Full remote registration allowed, no need to visit physical locations. Tennessee permits betting on college sports, including in-state teams like Tennessee Volunteers, Vanderbilt Commodores, and Belmont Bruins. However, individual college player props are prohibited. Tennessee charges a 1.85% tax on all wagers taken, one of the lowest tax rates among regulated states.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Tennessee

DFS note: Daily Fantasy Sports have been legal in Tennessee since 2016. DraftKings and FanDuel DFS are available to Tennessee residents 18+.

Legal, online-only betting with 12 operators and the nation's lowest tax rate.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Tennessee

Tennessee's loaded with options. Here's where to bet hockey based on what matters most.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Tennessee Status: Live since November 1, 2020

FanDuel is the dominant sportsbook nationally and top choice in Tennessee. Sharp puck line pricing, extensive player props, responsive live betting, and the best NHL same-game parlays. Phenomenal mobile app with real-time goalie and injury updates.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get up to $150 in bonus bets if your first bet wins.

Best for: All Tennessee hockey bettors, FanDuel is the default choice.

Shurzy Tip: FanDuel's SGP builder is clutch. Stack player props with game outcomes, anytime goal scorer + team moneyline + over/under. Build your edge in one bet.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Tennessee Status: Live since November 1, 2020

DraftKings excels at player props (drawing on DFS expertise). Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots markets are deep. Flash Bets allow rapid in-game wagering. Shared wallet between DFS and sportsbook.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get up to $200 in bonus bets + 3 months NBA League Pass.

Best for: Prop-focused bettors and DFS players.

Shurzy Tip: DraftKings' Flash Bets are clutch for live betting. Quick one-tap wagers during power plays or momentum shifts, no fumbling through menus while the game's moving.

Caesars Sportsbook

Tennessee Status: Live since November 1, 2020

Caesars offers sharp NHL pricing and the industry's best loyalty program (Caesars Rewards). Daily odds boosts on select markets. Live streaming of select games available.

Welcome offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets (code SBO20X).

Best for: Bettors seeking loyalty rewards and long-term value.

Shurzy Tip: Caesars' 20 profit boosts are money. Use them on player props or moneylines, double your winnings on bets you'd make anyway.

BetMGM

Tennessee Status: Live since November 1, 2020

BetMGM is one of the best Tennessee sportsbooks for parlay betting. Promotional calendar with NHL-specific boosts. "One Game Parlay" feature is excellent for hockey SGPs.

Welcome offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win.

Best for: Parlay enthusiasts.

bet365

Tennessee Status: Live since November 1, 2020

bet365 is globally renowned for its best-in-class live betting platform. NHL in-game odds update in real-time with exceptional speed. Live streaming of select events, early cash-out options, and deep futures markets.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get up to $150 in bonus bets + 10 Golden Chips.

Best for: Live-action bettors and futures-focused players.

Shurzy Tip: bet365's live betting platform is the best in Tennessee. If you're watching a game live and want to bet momentum shifts during power plays or after goals, bet365 updates faster than anyone else.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Tennessee Status: Live since launch

Fanatics offers the FanCash rewards program, earn cash back on every bet. Strong same-game parlay markets, daily odds boosts, and comprehensive NHL coverage. Modern platform design.

Welcome offer: Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash.

Best for: High-volume bettors seeking rewards.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

NHL Bet Types in Tennessee

Tennessee sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Shop for best pricing across TN's 12 books, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars maintain particularly sharp lines.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5 and alternates)

Hockey's spread with alternative lines available. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion.

Shurzy Tip: With 12 sportsbooks in Tennessee, puck line shopping is mandatory. A -110 at FanDuel might be -105 at bet365. Over a season, those nickels compound into real money. Don't be lazy, shop aggressively.

Total Goals (Over/Under with alternatives)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game with alternative totals.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (ranges available), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, blocked shots. DraftKings and Caesars offer the deepest menus.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is underrated for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin, race to 3 goals. Available across all major Tennessee books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard and SGP options available. FanDuel leads on NHL SGPs with extensive customization.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds. Available on all major Tennessee books.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Tennessee

Tennessee's competitive market drives promotions. Here's what to watch for.

  • Welcome Bonuses: All 12 sportsbooks offer new customer promotions. Current highlights include FanDuel's Bet $5, Get up to $150 if your bet wins, DraftKings' Bet $5, Get up to $200 + NBA League Pass, Caesars' double winnings on next 20 bets, BetMGM's up to $1,500 back if first bet loses, bet365's Bet $5, Get up to $150 + 10 Golden Chips, and Fanatics' up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash.
  • Promotional Regulations: Tennessee law requires all promotional materials and bonuses to be submitted to the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council for approval before being offered to customers. This ensures fair, non-predatory bonuses.
  • Parlay Profit Boosts: 3+ leg parlays regularly receive boosts across multiple books.
  • Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotional activity across all books.

Shurzy Tip: Tennessee's 1.85% tax rate (lowest in the nation) keeps odds competitive. Books pass savings to bettors through better lines and promos. Check multiple promotion tabs daily, 12 operators means constant offers.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Tennessee Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Tennessee's online-only market.

  1. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop, Tennessee books update quickly.
  2. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
  3. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs hit differently in hockey. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them hard. Books price it in somewhat, but casual bettors sleep on this edge, especially late season.
  4. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
  5. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Don't overweight home teams.
  6. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
  7. Shop TN's Deep Market: With 12 competing operators, check at least 3-5 books before betting. Tennessee's low tax rate means sharper odds than most states.
  8. Understand Online-Only Market: Tennessee has no retail sportsbooks. All betting is exclusively through licensed online apps. Plan accordingly, download apps and set up accounts in advance.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Tennessee

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

  • Pick a licensed sportsbook from any of Tennessee's 12 licensed operators. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, SSN). Must be 21+.
  • Full remote registration, no physical location visit required. Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport. Deposit funds via multiple methods (cards, e-wallets, bank transfers).
  • Claim promotions by checking the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games. Compare odds across multiple Tennessee sportsbooks (3-5 minimum). Place your bet through the app or website. Track results and refine your strategy over time.
  • Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Tennessee

The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council ensures all 12 licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling. All promotional materials must be SWAC-approved before offering.

All Tennessee sportsbooks offer deposit limits, wager limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

  • Tennessee Problem Gambling Helpline: (615) 253-7922
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
  • Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout Tennessee

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Tennessee's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Tennessee's Best for NHL Betting

Tennessee is unique: legal online sports betting but NO retail sportsbooks. With 12 licensed online sportsbooks competing, Tennessee offers a fully mobile-first sports betting market.

FanDuel stands as the top overall choice, best SGPs, sharp pricing, user experience. DraftKings excels for prop-focused bettors. Caesars offers loyalty rewards. BetMGM is best for parlay betting. bet365 dominates live betting. Fanatics has the best rewards program.

Want an edge before you even place a bet?

Start with a sportsbook that gives you real value from your first bet.

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