Tennessee sports betting
– At a glance
- TN sports betting has been live since 1 November 2020
- 13 online sportsbooks available
- 21+ minimum age limit
- Exclusive welcome promotions are available*
*I’ll be covering these further on in this guide.
Updates on sports betting in Tennessee
The bill to legalize sports betting in TN was passed in 2019, with the first online sportsbooks going live in November 2020. Below, you can see all of the major events on the sports betting timeline for the Volunteer State.
I will always add new events to this timeline as and when they happen to keep you as up-to-date as possible:
- November 2023:
ESPN Bet goes live in Tennessee.
- August 2022:
Caesars Sportsbook becomes the official betting partner of the Memphis Grizzlies.
- March 2022:
Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) takes over regulatory responsibilities.
- March 2021:
William Hill launches its sportsbook app in Tennessee.
- November 2020:
The first Tennessee sportsbooks go live online.
- September 2020:
TELC approves the first three operators for the November 1 launch date – DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
- April 2020:
Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation (TELC) approves finalized regulations and operators can start applying for TN sports betting licenses.
- July 2019:
The Tennessee Sports Gaming Act officially becomes law despite opposition.
Is sports betting legal in Tennessee?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Tennessee but unlike in most other states, it is exclusively available online and not in person at land-based venues. The TELC regulations were approved in April 2020, with the first three online sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM) going live in November 2020.
In March 2022, the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) took over the regulatory responsibilities. Today, there are 13
legal sports betting sites
in the Volunteer State in total.
Like me, I’m sure that you wouldn’t turn your nose up at a welcome offer to help get you started. With that in mind, here are the
best sportsbook promotions
that you can claim in Tennessee today:
- BetMGM: Bet $5 get $158
– When you register at BetMGM Sportsbook, deposit and wager $5, you will get $158 in bonus bets. The minimum deposit limit for this bonus is $10 and your bonus bets’ value is not included in your winnings.
- DraftKings: Bet $5 get $200
– At DraftKings Sportsbook in TN, you can get 8 x $25 bonus bet tokens when you register and make a $5 qualifying wager. Once credited, your bonus bets last for seven days and must be wagered 1x before you can withdraw any winnings.
- FanDuel: Bet $5 get $200 back
– Place your first $5 bet at FanDuel Sportsbook, and you will get $200 back in bonus bets. Bonus credits should be given to you within 72 hours and the wagering requirement for withdrawal is 1x your bonus amount.
- Caesars: Get your first bet back up to $1,000
– For the Caesars Sportsbook, if your first bet of up to $1,000 loses, you can get your stake back as a bonus bet credits. There are no wagering requirements for this promotion, but the bonus bet value is not included in your returns if you win when using it.
The top Tennessee betting sites
There are 13 legal and regulated sports betting sites in Tennessee, each of which has something to offer us basketball fans and bettors. As an expert, I have tested out all of these sites, and have handpicked four that stand out above the rest.
Curious to know what they are? Then check out my reviews of each one here:
BetMGM Sportsbook Tennessee
- Great welcome offer
- High-quality iOS app
- Choice of NBA betting lines
- Official betting partner of the Titans
- Android app could improve
What makes Tennessee stand out above all else is its mobile app, which looks slick and professional. Moreover, it is extremely user-friendly and is packed with plenty of tools for new and experienced bettors.
For us basketball fans, there are plenty of in-play and pre-game NBA betting lines. Some of my favorites include moneylines, parlays, and player props.
- App Store Rating (iOS):
4.8
- Google Play Rating (Android):
4.1
- Welcome offer:
Bet $5 Get $158
- Withdrawal speed:
3 – 5 days
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
DraftKings Sportsbook Tennessee
- 8 x $25 bonus bets welcome offer
- Trusted US DFS and sportsbook brand
- Live streaming for some events
- Tools and info for experienced bettors
- Live odds could update quicker
Like BetMGM, I found that the DraftKings Sportsbook is particularly handy for mobile users. Where it betters BetMGM, is that the iOS and Android apps are both on par with each other. On top of that, the web platform is not to be sniffed at.
The dark interface is a classic but welcome look and the small font allows for plenty of information to be displayed on your screen at the same time. As well as the welcome offer, there are plenty of promotions for existing players throughout the year.
- App Store Rating (iOS):
4.8
- Google Play Rating (Android):
4.6
- Welcome offer:
Bet $5 Get $200 back
- Withdrawal speed:
1 – 5 business days
Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins
FanDuel Sportsbook Tennessee
- Good value welcome offer
- Official NBA betting partner
- Solid live-streaming rights
- Highly rated iOS and Android apps
- Welcome offer only paid on winning bets
FanDuel is the official betting partner of the NBA, which gives it access to betting data that is released by the NBA itself. As a result, it is my top-rated Tennessee sports betting site for all of us basketball fans.
On top of that, it has some of the best deals when it comes to live streaming. This means that, if you have a pre-game or in-play wager on a game, you can stream it live on the app or web platform and watch as your bet wins or loses.
- App Store Rating (iOS):
4.8
- Google Play Rating (Android):
4.7
- Welcome offer:
Bet $5 Get $200
- Withdrawal speed:
Up to 5 business days
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
Caesars Sportsbook Tennessee
- Potentially large welcome promo
- Official Memphis Grizzlies betting partner
- Ideal for beginners
- Excellent customer service
Alongside FanDuel and DraftKings, Caesars is one of three Tennessee sportsbooks that is officially partnered with the NFL. I know we’re all basketball fans here, but is there a more exciting time in the world of sports betting than the NFL season?
Moving on to the platform itself, here you will find a user-friendly app that I feel is better for beginners than the three sportsbooks mentioned above. What impressed me most about Caesars was the quick, responsive, and attentive customer service.
- App Store Rating (iOS):
4.6
- Google Play Rating (Android):
4.2
- Welcome offer:
First bet back up to $1,000
- Withdrawal speed:
Up to 72 hours
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
What Tennessee sportsbooks are legal?
Now that we’ve taken a look at my top-rated Tennessee sportsbooks, let’s take a look at the bigger picture.
Here is a list of all 13 licensed operators for you:
- BetMGM
– The best sportsbook overall
- DraftKings
– Top for mobile users
- FanDuel
– The most live streaming rights
- Caesars
– Official Memphis Grizzlies betting partner
- SuperBook
– Competitive betting lines
- ESPN Bet
– Fast odds updates
- Hard Rock
– The best live betting platform
- Action 247
– Born and bred in Nashville, TN
- Betly
– Good variety of markets
- Wagr
– Best for social betting and bragging rights
- Fanatics Sportsbook
– Personalized interface display
- ZenSports
– The only P2P Tennessee sports betting site
- Bally Bet
– Good for US sports betting markets
As I said earlier, Tennessee sports betting is legal solely at online and mobile sportsbooks. There are no in-person retail betting units, nor are the plans to introduce any in the future as things stand.
Currently, you have the choice of the 13 aforementioned online sportsbooks. However, there is no limitation on the number of licenses, so there is scope for more to be added to that list.
Online sports betting Tennessee – Websites and apps
| Sportsbook | App | Website |
| Action 247 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bally Bet | ✅ | ✅ |
| Betly | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetMGM | ✅ | ✅ |
| Caesars | ✅ | ✅ |
| DraftKings | ✅ | ✅ |
| ESPN Bet | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | ✅ | ✅ |
| FanDuel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hard Rock | ✅ | ✅ |
| SuperBook | ✅ | ✅ |
| Wagr | ✅ | ✅ |
| ZenSports | ✅ | ✅ |
Who is sports betting in Tennessee legal for?
To be able to place a mobile bet legally in the Volunteer state, you need to be aged 21 or older and physically located in the state. As you will find is the case in most other states, non-residents who are visiting the state can also place a mobile wager.
In Tennessee right now and looking to place a bet? Here’s everything you need to know first:
- Legal age:
You must be aged 21+ to place a sports bet online in TN.
- Mobile betting:
Only mobile and online wagering are legal in Tennessee, which are now regulated by the Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC)
- Remote registration:
There is no in-person sports betting in the Volunteer State so you have to register remotely via a sportsbook website or app.
- Within TN borders:
Tennessee sportsbooks use state-of-the-art geolocation technology to ensure that you are within state borders when you place a bet online.
- Tax on winnings:
There is no state tax on personal winnings in Tennessee, however, the federal tax of 25-28% on your SSN still applies.
Tennessee sports betting – The pros and cons
With the most important information and details out of the way, here is my summary of the principal advantages and disadvantages of sports wagering in the Volunteer State:
Advantages
- 13 live online sportsbooks
- No limit on the number of licenses
- Great choice of welcome offers
- In and out-of-state college sports betting is legal
- eSports betting is permitted
Disadvantages
- No in-person sports betting
-
Live bets on college sports not permitted
How to start betting in Tennessee – Step-by-step
As only online sports betting is legal in Tennessee, you will need a cell phone or laptop to get started. Got that? Great – just follow the steps in my TN
betting guide
below to create your sportsbook account and place your first mobile wager:
- Choose a sportsbook
– First of all, choose your ideal site/app from the list of Tennessee sportsbooks that I have provided for you on this page.
- Register online
– To sign up, you will need to provide your info, including name, zip code, D.O.B, and SSN.
- Verification
– In some cases, you may be asked to upload a photo of your government-issued ID to verify your account.
- Claim your welcome bonus
– You might need to enter a promo code or opt-in to activate the welcome offer on your chosen sportsbook.
- Deposit funds
– Once your account has been created, you can fund your account using credit/debit cards, online banking, e-wallets, or other alternatives.
- Start betting
– Now you’re all set; you can find your preferred betting markets and place your first wager.
- Withdraw your winnings
– If you win some money from your bets, you can withdraw funds, usually best using the same payment/bank account that you used to make your last deposit.
How to read betting odds – Explained
Like most US states, Tennessee sports betting sites use the American (Moneyline) odds format. These may appear confusing at first glance if you’re new to online wagering, but they are actually pretty simple to read.
There are two types of numbers that you need to know about, which I’ve explained below:
- Positive number odds (+):
with a (+) before them show the underdog for the market, and the number shows how much profit you stand to win with a $100 stake.
–
Example:
New York Nicks to win at +150 ($100 stake wins you a $150 profit)
- Negative number odds (-):
These odds are used to show you the favorite, and the number shows how much you would have to be to yield a $100 profit. –
Example:
Memphis Grizzlies to win at – 150 (You would need to stake $100 to win a $150 profit)
What can’t you bet on in Tennessee
Besides the fact that you can’t place an in-person bet in Tennessee, the rules and regulations are pretty liberal. As is the case in all states, betting on high school games and any sports contested by athletes under the age of 18 is prohibited.
Additionally, the following markets are not permitted:
- Politics:
All forms of political betting are illegal in Tennessee.
College sports betting in Tennessee
Betting on in and out-of-state college sports games is perfectly legal online in the Volunteer State. However, there are a couple of exceptions; you cannot place live bets or player props on college games.
NFL Draft
You are allowed to bet on the NFL Draft, and you will find that most Tennessee sportsbooks have included it in their offering.
TN esports betting online
Esports betting is permitted in Tennessee, and it is one of just a handful of states with proper and specific legislation. However, SWAC needs to approve every esports event before it is allowed to go live on sportsbook apps and betting sites.
Here’s our top 5 favorite sportsbooks in Tennessee for 2024
1.
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Players from Virginia accepted
Bet now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Tennessee sports betting handle
Probably the most impressive thing I discovered here, was that Tennessee was the first US state to reach a $1 billion sports betting handle, doing so within just six months.
For those of you interested, here is a yearly breakdown showing the sports betting handle, revenue, hold, and total taxes. Please note that I’ve not included 2020, as mobile sports wagering was only available for two months that year (November and December).
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold | Tax |
| 2023 | $4.29 billion | $451 million | 10.6% | $83.6 million |
| 2022 | $3.83 billion | 379.4 million | 9.9% | $68 million |
| 2021 | $2.6 billion | $239.9 million | 10% | $39.3 million |
Tennessee sports – Home team advantage
Betting on in-state professional and college sports teams in Tennessee is perfectly legal. Naturally, as basketball fans our focus is on the Memphis Grizzlies. Caesars Sportsbook is now the official Grizzlies betting partner, and therefore the best place to wager on them.
For those of you based in Nashville, you can find plenty of markets for the Predators (NFL) and the Tennessee Titans. All this being said, my advice is to forget that you’re a fan and think pragmatically when betting on sports.
Tennessee sports betting law
I have covered everything at some point throughout the article, but here is a point-by-point summary of the main sports betting laws in Tennessee:
- The House 1 Bill permits professional and collegiate online sports wagering.
- The Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) regulates and licenses the industry.
- You must be aged over 21 to be online in TN.
- There are currently 13 licensed Tennessee sportsbooks in 2024.
- There is no limit on the number of online sportsbook licenses.
- Sports wagering revenue is taxed at 20%.
- There is no Tennessee state tax on lottery winnings.
- College sports betting is legal save for pros and live wagers.
- Esports betting is legal but events must be submitted and approved first.
Other types of gambling in Tennessee
Are you interested in other forms of gambling besides sports betting? Here I’ve given you a quick lowdown of Tennessee’s stance on casinos, poker, DFS, and horse racing:
- Casino:
There are no legal land-based or online casinos in Tennessee. For land-based casinos, you will need to venture to neighbouring states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Missouri. Meanwhile, there are online alternatives in the form of social and sweepstakes casinos such as Stake.us and Wow Vegas.
- Poker:
Online and in-person poker is illegal in Tennessee. The only alternative available is Global Poker, which is a sweepstakes poker platform with no real money play.
- Horse racing:
Although there are no race tracks physically located in Tennessee, you can bet on horse racing remotely via specialized pari-mutuel sites, namely TVG, and TwinSpires.
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS):
Online fantasy sports have been legal in Tennessee since 2016, with DraftKings and FanDuel being two of the best platforms.
Tennessee sports betting – The quick facts
As a handy guide, I have put together this table containing the most important facts about the online-only TN sports betting landscape:
| Launch date: | 11/01/2023 |
| Regulator: | Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) |
| Age limit: | 21+ |
| Online sports betting: | ✅ |
| Remote registration: | ✅ |
| No. of live sportsbooks: | 13 |
| Max. license limit: | None |
| College sports betting: | ✅ |
| Esports betting: | ✅ |
| In-person sports betting: | ❌ |
| Online casinos: | ❌ |
| Land-based casinos: | ❌ |
| Online poker: | ❌ |
| Population: | 7.05 million |
| Sports betting handle (2023): | $4.29 billion |
| Tax rate: | 20% |
Responsible gaming in Tennessee
In my experience, Tennessee takes responsible gaming more seriously than most states, and the US already has a high standard overall. If you or someone that you know is affected, there are plenty of resources available, including helplines and online educational tools, as well as support groups and professional counseling.
Additionally, all Tennessee sportsbooks online have tools to help you limit your deposits, maximum wagers, and losses. On top of all that, 5% of total sports wagering revenue goes to the problem gambling resources for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
Online Betting Tennessee – Resources
Do you want to do some further research of your own regarding Tennessee sports betting? If so, I’ve found the following resources that could help you out:
- Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) website:
https://www.tn.gov/swac.html
- Tennessee REDLINE, a 24-hour hotline for problem gambling services and assistance:
800-889-9789
- National Council on Problem Gambling for Tennessee:
https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-by-state/tennessee/
- PDF for the official TN sports betting rules and regulations:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/swac/documents/meeting/2022/MarchRedline.pdf
- Link to the House 1 Bill for mobile and online sports wagering:
https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/111/pub/pc0507.pdf
- Complete and up-to-date list of the approved sports betting licenses:
https://www.tn.gov/swac/licensees-registrants.html
Tennessee sportsbook sites to avoid
Before I go, I must stress that you shouldn’t bet on any sportsbook that doesn’t have a valid SWAC license to operate in Tennessee. Out-of-state online sportsbooks are prohibited, while overseas sportsbooks remain strictly illegal.
With 13 licensed and regulated online sportsbooks available, you are not left short of options when it comes to betting online in The Volunteer State. While the odds and bonuses might look tempting on some overseas betting sites, the lack of regulation increases the risk of losing your funds and being hacked among other things.
Online betting in Tennessee – Conclusion
In summary, online betting is perfectly legal in Tennessee with 13 licensed websites and apps available. As there is no limit on the number of licenses, we can realistically expect to see many more platforms go live in the future.
Unfortunately, in-person and retail sports wagering isn’t available, but don’t we all do everything online these days anyway? For my fellow basketball fans, I must remind you once more that Caesars Sportsbooks is now the official betting partner of the Memphis Grizzlies.
So what should you do now? You can take another look at my reviews of the top sportsbooks and online betting promos in Tennessee to find the one that suits you. Then, you just need to register, claim your welcome bonus and deposit to get started.
The best betting bonuses for TN
1.
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
5.
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Tennessee sports betting FAQ
🏀Is sports betting legal in Tennessee?
Yes, online wagering on professional and collegiate sports is legal in Tennessee, with the bill also permitting wagers on the NFL Draft and Esports. However, in-person sports betting is still prohibited, so you won’t find any retail betting units in the Volunteer State.
🖥Can I place a bet online in Tennessee?
You can place online wagers at any of the 13 licensed online and mobile sportsbooks in Tennessee. BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars are all available as well as a number of other top operators. For more information, check out my guide here at Dunkorthree.com.
⚖Is there legal gambling in Tennessee?
Online sports wagering is legal in Tennessee, including in and out-of-state collegiate sports. However, in-person sports wagering, online casinos and poker are all still illegal. There are two pari-mutuel horse racing betting sites, but there are no racetracks physically located in Tennessee state borders.
⚽Can I use DraftKings Sportsbook in Tennessee?
Yes, the DraftKings Sportsbook app is legally available for bettors aged 21 and older in The Volunteer State. For more information, check out my review here at Dunkorthree.com.
🏅Who can bet online in Tennessee?
To bet online in Tennessee, you need to be 21 or older and physically located in the state. Visitors to the state are legally allowed to place a remote wager while still within state borders.
