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Tennessee Sports Betting: Best TN Online Sportsbook Sites Dec. 2024

Tennessee sports betting is unique in that its market doesn't feature one retail sportsbook but does offer interested players 11 legal online sportsbooks (with one pending). TN sports betting sites, like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars, offer new players substantial welcome bonuses and an enjoyable user experience.

Top Tennessee sports betting sites

21+ and present in TN. Gambling Problem? Call TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789.

#1

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Features

  • Some of the best live-betting odds.
  • Great deposit options.
  • Earn MGM Rewards from betting activity.
Bet Now

BetMGM Review

BetMGM is one of the top-rated sportsbooks in the U.S. offering some of the best live betting odds in the industry. They’re also the largest iGaming operator across the U.S.

Features

#2

Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts

New users only. Must use promo code. Min. $10 deposit. Max. additional winnings $2.5K per token. Tokens expire in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.

Features

  • Earn Caesars Rewards from betting activity.
  • Live streaming of NFL games.
  • User-friendly mobile app.
Bet Now

Caesars Sportsbook Review

Caesars is proving to be one of the most aggressively expanding brands in sports betting. Unfortunately, like all major U.S. sportsbooks, they are quick to limit you if you go on a tear and their odds boost promos offer low maximum bet limits.

Features

#3

Win $150 + NBA League Pass 🏀

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).

Features

  • Top-tier app experience.
  • Same Game Parlays and SGP+.
  • Extensive promos and odds boosts.

FanDuel Review

FanDuel reigns supreme right now as the No. 1 betting site in America. And it has largely earned that spot on the strength of superior brand recognition, an easy-to-use product, an overwhelming number of markets for North America’s most popular sports, and representation in every state in which it is permitted to offer legal sports betting.

Features

#4

Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets

Terms and conditions apply.

Features

  • Live in 21 states
  • Extremely powerful brand history and recognition
  • FanCash reward system is great for sports fans

Fanatics Sportsbook Review

Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its app in 22 states already, with plans to expand to more in the near future. Fanatics is poised to be a major player in the sports betting industry.

Features

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

Tennessee sports betting promos and bonuses

It’s a great time to be a new sports bettor in Tennessee. All 11 operators are working tirelessly to earn your business and get you to sign-up for a new account. Most flaunt generous welcome bonuses, loyalty rewards, and ongoing promotions to entice and allure new bettors. Some of the best Tennessee sportsbook promos are:

  • ESPN BET: Up to $2,000 in bonuses
  • DraftKings: Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets

The best approach to finding a Tennessee legal sports betting site you like is to review the best sportsbook promos. These are typically funds that allow you to enjoy a safety net on your first wager or build your bankroll with bonus bets and deposit match bonuses before you place a bet.

While veteran sports bettors know the ins and outs of the industry, they are also eligible for welcome bonus funds if they have not registered with the online sportsbook. For those who like particular sports betting sites and aren’t interested in moving on, veteran bettors can still cash in via daily promotions like odds-boosted events, reduced vig (juice), referral bonuses, and loyalty rewards that you can redeem for VIP experiences.

TN sportsbook 🏆Welcome bonus 💰Promo code ✅
⭐ CaesarsBet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit BoostsSBRBONUSDYW
⭐ FanDuelBet $5, win $150 in bonus betsNo code required
⭐ BetMGMUp to $1,500 in bonus betsSBRBONUS
⭐ Action24750% deposit match up to $400No code required
⭐ Bally BetDaily promotionsNo code required
⭐ BetlyUp to $250 in bonus betsNo code required
⭐ DraftKingsBet $5, win $150 in bonus betsNo code required
⭐ Fanatics SportsbookUp to $1,000 in bonus betsNo code required
⭐ Hard Rock BetUp to $100 No Regret First BetNo code required
⭐ WagrN/A - Purchased by YahooNo code required
⭐ ESPN BETUp to $2,000 in bonusesNo code required

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Best Tennessee sports betting sites

All Tennessee betting sites offer odds for the four major sports leagues in the United States: NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The 11 active online sportsbooks also offer the most common bet types of moneylines, handicap point spreads, and point totals. However, each operator is always trying to figure out new ways to market themselves as unique compared to their competition. Below is a rundown of sportsbooks in Tennessee and highlights each operator’s unique features.

Online sportsbookBest known for
Action247Tennessee-based company
Bally Bet (Tennessee launch still pending)Early cash out
BetlyLive betting
BetMGM“King of Parlays”
CaesarsCaesars rewards points
DraftKingsIndustry-leading operator
ESPN BETPersonality-driven promotions
Fanatics SportsbookFanCash rewards system
FanDuelGreat betting app
Hard Rock BetLimited video streaming
WagrSocial betting

Why FanDuel is the best sportsbook in Tennessee 🔵

FanDuel was among the first four online sportsbooks to launch in Tennessee in November 2020. One of the daily fantasy sports trailblazers, FanDuel can now hang its hat on the fact that it and DraftKings are industry leaders in mobile betting apps and sites n what has become a crowded online sportsbook landscape.

New players in Tennessee can take advantage of a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets offer without a FanDuel promo code. The promotions don’t end there, as FanDuel offers daily bonuses through odds boosts, bonus bets, and reduced juice on various betting markets.

For those interested in live betting sites, FanDuel is one of only a few operators that offer video streaming of select live events. They also promote same-game parlays and unique betting markets like live in-game betting to keep the action spicy after the opening tip, kick, first pitch, and puck drop.

FanDuel’s customer support and experience are second-to-none. Their app store ratings for iOS and Android devices are the highest amongst its peers, so more and more Tennessee players are leaning towards a new FanDuel account. Check out our FanDuel review for more information.

Within 24 hours for the payout speed too!

Other Tennessee online sportsbooks and sports betting apps

Caesars Tennessee 🏛

Caesars Sportsbooks, an OG of Vegas sports betting and casino games, took its talents to Tennessee when it launched in March 2021. These days, new players can enjoy a Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts sign-up bonus when they enter Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUSDYW. You can also redeem rewards points for VIP experiences and resort stays at Caesars properties around the globe. It’s a nice perk for those uninterested in flying out to the desert who would instead make their picks inside the cozy confines of their Tennessee home.

Where to bet on sports in Tennessee: Caesars review

DraftKings Tennessee 👑

New customers to DraftKings can take advantage of a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets offer. No DraftKings promo code is necessary, either.

The bonus bets will be paid out as six (6) $25 bonus bets, if your first bet wins.

As has been the case since it first launched as a daily fantasy sports destination, DraftKings’ app store ratings continue to lead the industry no matter if you use an iOS or Android device.

Where to bet on sports in Tennessee: DraftKings review

BetMGM Tennessee 🦁

Affectionately referred to as the “King of Parlays,” BetMGM’s sports betting app is among the highest-rated in the Tennessee market. It offers new players up to $1,500 back in bonus bets. Just remember to input BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS during sign-up.

BetMGM also features an above-average loyalty rewards program plus several ongoing app promotions that encourage players to return to the platform to cash in on perks.

  • App Store rating: 4.8/5
  • Google Play rating: 4.5/5
  • Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,500 back in bonus bets
  • Payout speed: 1-2 business days

Where to bet on sports in Tennessee: BetMGM review

Fanatics Tennessee 🧢

Fanatics has one of the highest-value welcome offers on the board, with up to $1,000 in bonuses up for grabs. You'll score daily bonus bets (up to $100 x 10 days) when your first qualifying wager of $1 or more (-500 or longer odds) loses. There is no Fanatics Sportsbook promo code required to activate the offer.

After joining Fanatics, customers can enjoy daily promos that dish out bonus bets, profit boosts, and more. Just find the Power Hour offer in the promotions tab for more details.

  • App Store rating: 4.7/5
  • Google Play rating: 4.5/5
  • Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,000 in bonuses
  • Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Tennessee sportsbooks honorable mentions

Even though they didn’t crack SBR’s top six Tennessee sports betting sites, you should check out each operator’s review. Click on the links below for an in-depth critique of six other quality mobile betting sites and apps the Volunteer State offers.

TN sports betting key developments and updates

Nov. 27, 2024: BetMGM consolidates its Rewards Points program into a single digital account, allowing users in Tennessee to carry over points across jurisdictions.

Nov. 25, 2024: Caesars Sportsbook updates its TN welcome bonus. New users can now bet $1 to get 10x 100% Profit Boost Tokens.

Nov. 18, 2024: DraftKings updates its welcome offer, giving new users the chance to bet $5 and win $150 in bonus bets if their first bets hits.

Nov. 12, 2024: New ESPN BET users can claim a First Bet Reset of up to $1,500 and a 200% first deposit match of up to $500 as part of a new welcome offer in Tennessee.

Oct. 28, 2024: Tennesse fines Bovada, an unregulated offshore sportsbook operating in multiple U.S. states, $50,000 for not complying with a cease-and-desist order

Oct. 28, 2024: FanDuel updates their welcome offer to bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets. While they must win their first bet to get $150 in bonus bets, new users can also get three free months of NBA League Pass whether their first bet wins or loses.  

Oct. 15, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook updates its TN welcome bonus, now offering new users a maximum $100 daily bonus on the first losing bet ($1 minimum, -500 odds or longer) for up to 10 days.

Sept. 20, 2024: DraftKings offer is now bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets.

Aug. 19, 2024: DraftKings and FanDuel both increase their respective TN welcome offers as they gear up for the new NFL season. 

July 19, 2024: SuperBook announces it will stop taking new bets and deposits in Tennessee (and seven other states) immediately, as it prepares to leave the U.S. betting market entirely later in 2024. 

June 17, 2024: Fanatics slightly alters its welcome offer, still allowing new players to earn up to $1,000 in bonuses. Now, players can earn the bonus bets by placing qualifying $200 wagers in each of the first five days after signing up.

May 28, 2024: The Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council reports $384.2 million in wagers were placed at online and retail sportsbooks in April. Despite the nearly $100 million drop from March's figures, the report was positive, considering the almost $60 million boost from April 2023. 

Apr. 15, 2024: DraftKings switches its TN welcome bonus, now offering a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets deal, plus a No Sweat SGP for every NBA Playoff date. 

Mar. 12, 2024: Tennessee sports bettors spent $378.2 million at state sportsbooks, marking the first time monthly betting handle has been below $400 million since September 2023.

Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET launches its sportsbook product in Tennessee. 

August 11, 2023: WynnBET closes its operations in Tennessee.

June 16, 2023: Sports betting activity in Tennessee generated $279.8 million in handle for the month of May, according to the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council

May 18, 2023: Governor Bill Lee signs Senate Bill 475, which will tax sports betting in the state at a 2% rate on an operator's total handle, moving away from the previous rate of 20% on adjusted gross income.

March 5, 2023: The SWAC reports $410.7 million in sports betting handle for January, the third-best monthly mark ever in Tennessee.

March 1, 2023: Tennessee regulators fine Barstool and Hard Rock Sportsbook for violating rules tethered to their sports betting scene.

March 1, 2023: Fanatics is formally approved for a mobile sports betting license, marking the company's first big step toward its goal of launching in every major state excluding New York.

Feb. 13, 2023: ZenSports applies to become Tennessee’s latest online sportsbook.

Aug. 3, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook becomes a betting partner of the Memphis Grizzlies.

March 16, 2022: TwinSpires' online sportsbook ceases operations in Tennessee.

Jan. 1, 2022: The Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) takes over regulatory duties from the Tennessee Education Lottery as an oversight committee of sports betting.

Nov. 1, 2020: More than a year after the arrival of the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, the first online sportsbooks launch in the Volunteer State.

July 2019: The Tennessee Sports Gaming Act becomes law.

May 2019: Though he’s against it on moral grounds, Governor Bill Lee allows the TN sports betting legislation on his desk to become law without his signature.

November 2018: Tennessee lawmakers introduce the first bill to legalize sports betting in the state.

May 2018:
 The United States Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, eventually leading to individual states dictating whether or not to legalize sports betting within its borders.

Tennessee sports betting summary

🚀 Tennessee launch dateNovember 2020
➡️ Legal betting age 21
🔔 TN regulatorTennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council
▶️ Total betting sites 11
📱 Online sports betting      Yes
🎰 Retail sports betting      No
🖥️ Online casino      No
🃏 Online poker No
🏆 Sports betting apps 11 active (1 pending)
🌎 State population    6.98 million
💵 2024 handle $4.7 billion

How we rate and review Tennessee sports betting sites

Sportsbook Review’s editorial team spends dozens of hours digging into each online sportsbook that enters the Tennessee market. Our team of experts wants to provide independent and thorough reviews of each operator to provide you — the player — with the most up-to-date and accurate critique of each sports betting site. Through how we rate and review, these six categories are the most important and our priority when publishing our final reviews.

Welcome bonuses and promotions

If you ask any operator about the sports betting industry, they’ll admit it’s a cutthroat business and a challenge to separate yourself from the field. However, one way Tennessee online sportsbooks can make waves is by offering huge welcome bonuses and unique promotions to keep players returning for more.

These days, welcome bonuses come in three types: first bet insurance, bonus bets, and deposit match bonuses. Ongoing promotions include loyalty rewards, referral bonuses when you get friends and family members to sign up, odds boosts, bonus bets, and reduced juice (vig) on the day’s most significant events.

User experience

For most, it’s easy to define a positive user experience from a poor one. Just think about things like how easy the sign-up process was, banking methods allowed when making a first deposit, ease of site navigation, how many different bet types and betting markets are available, is a live video streaming available, is the app secure when sending and receiving personal and financial information, and how many different ways you can contact customer support, is it available 24/7 or specific hours. The more positive user experiences, the higher SBR’s grade will be on these Tennessee sports betting sites.

Sports bet variety

For new players, it can become easy to fall into the trap of only betting on the most common events via moneylines, point spreads, and over/under point totals. However, the online sportsbooks that separate themselves offer a wide range of sports bet variety via European soccer, tennis majors, PGA tour, MMA and UFC cards, and premiere boxing events. Operators will also offer unique prop bets and particular betting markets that might include sports crossover parlays, too.

Banking options

Before legal sports betting came to the United States and places like Tennessee, banking was always a friction between players and sportsbooks. This isn’t the case anymore. The most common banking methods are also easily accessible by the most interested players. Tennessee sportsbooks accept major credit and debit cards like Mastercard and Visa in addition to digital banking like Paypal and ACH bank wire transfers for an added level of security.

Payout speed

Time is of the essence when it’s time to ring the register, and this is why payout speed is such an essential feature of Tennessee’s online sportsbook. Nobody wants to wait to enjoy their profits, so most operators process withdrawal requests within 48 hours. When using digital methods, funds should hit one’s bank account within three to five business days. However, a physical check can be cut and mailed out to you, but it’ll take up to 15 business days to arrive.

Security and customer support

The SBR editorial team prioritizes app and site security when building their reviews. They want to ensure each operator uses the latest encryption software to keep bad actors away from sensitive personal and financial data players share with the sportsbook and vice versa when banking withdrawals go out.

With how popular sports betting has become in recent years, operators need to make sure they are prioritizing customer support options rather than resting on the hope that new players know all the answers. The best Tennessee sportsbooks offer around-the-clock customer support and allow bettors to contact them via live chat, phone, and email.

How to start betting in Tennessee

Perhaps you have the itch to wager on the Titans to win the AFC South or, better yet, shock the world and win Super Bowl 58. Or you may believe in Ja Morant so much that you’re willing to put your money where your mouth is and place a bet on the Grizzlies to win the Western Conference Finals and advance to the NBA Finals. These are easy bets to remember; all you need to do to get started on your betting experience is follow these steps.

Select a sportsbook licensed in Tennessee

First, you want to read all 11 online sportsbook reviews SBR’s editorial team has researched. This will give you the insight and knowledge to decide what sports betting app suits your needs. You can also check out our list of the best DFS sites.

Once you’ve found your favorite, download the sports betting app to your smartphone or tablet.

Register online

The next step is to create an account. Fire up the sports betting app on your device. The operator will require some basic personal information during the registration process. These details include your full name, home address, email address, and date of birth. They’ll also likely require you to provide a social security number because it helps with the identity verification process and cuts down on multiple fraudulent accounts scrupulous people can create in your likeness. Social security numbers help expedite payouts when ready to ring the register.

The operator will email you a verification link to activate your new account. Once that step is complete, you’ll want to create a unique username and password. The most robust passwords include upper and lowercase numbers, special characters, and numbers that are at least eight characters long.

Deposit and claim a bonus

With the new account, username, and password created, it’s time to head over to the cashier’s page. Here you’ll make sync your banking information. Most Tennessee online sportsbooks accept major credit and debit cards, Paypal, and ACH bank wire transfers when funding an account.

Before you submit your first deposit, be sure to have any required promo codes handy to punch in to redeem a welcome bonus. You want to ensure you get the bonus code when you first deposit.

Select and finalize your bet

With your account funded, it’s time to peruse the online sportsbook betting markets. Shop around and review odds of different sporting events, live betting, and player props. You may rather see how the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team fares in the first half before live betting the second or think you know how many blocks Jaren Jackson will have for the Grizzlies against the Los Angeles Lakers. The possibilities are endless when building out your Tennessee sports bet slip.

When all your wagers are accounted for, click submit bet slip to finalize your bet.

Win and withdraw your payout

Imagine Derrick Henry’s game-winning touchdown helped lock up a three-leg parlay on a Sunday afternoon in the fall, and you’re ready to cash out. Return to the cashier’s page where you made your first deposit and click the withdrawal button. Enter how much you’d like to withdraw from your bankroll and click submit. It can take as little as 15 minutes to process a cash out request and just a few business days to transfer the funds to your preferred banking method. Remember, cutting a physical check can take up to 15 business days to arrive in your mailbox. So, it’s always wise to use digital payout means when requesting a withdrawal.

Tennessee sports betting handle

The Volunteer State let mobile sports betting operators launch in November of 2019, which only brought in $312 million in the total betting handle. However, Tennessee has enjoyed year-over-year growth in 2021 and 2022. Tennessee sports operators accepted $2.6 billion in wagers in 2021 and $3.83 billion in 2022. Although January 2023’s betting handle was down month-over-month with the NFL transitioning from regular to postseason and fewer games on the board, the handle was up nearly $25 million year-over-year for January.

Tennessee’s sports betting handle for 2023 ended up being $4.7 billion, which is incredible considering they only have 11 active online sportsbooks and no retail sportsbook locations.

Tennessee sports leagues and teams to bet on

While it’s pretty apparent the tread left on Derrick Henry’s tires is thinning, and the Tennessee Titans vice-tight grip on the AFC South has loosened, the Memphis Grizzlies are making a solid case in the NBA’s Western Conference as they look to inherit the throne dominated by the Golden State Warriors the past decade.

Tennessee bettors can wager on all four major sports markets in the NFLMLBNHL, and NBA. Just keep in mind to bet with your brain and not your heart. It’s straightforward for those new to sports betting to focus their bankroll on the teams they know best. However, this is an easy way to watch your bankroll shrink. Before placing a bet on a hometown team, check out injury updates and weather conditions, and do your due diligence to avoid heartbreak in multiple ways.

NFL 🏈  NBA 🏀  MLB ⚾  NHL 🏒  
Tennessee TitansMemphis GrizzliesAtlanta BravesNashville Predators

Though less popular, Major League Soccer odds are available, which means you can bet on Nashville SC and other MLS matchups of the week in Tennessee. Additionally, PGA, professional tennis, UFCEuropean soccer, and premiere boxing events odds are available on Tennessee sports betting sites.  

Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories:

There are 11 active online sportsbooks in Tennessee. As it has in other states, TwinSpires mobile betting left the market in the first quarter of 2022. However, two more sportsbooks have earned licenses from the SWAC and are just waiting to launch: Fubo Sportsbooks and BallyBet. ZenSports has recently applied to enter the Volunteer State, too.

Tennessee’s online and mobile sportsbooks

Online sportsbookLaunch date
Action 247November 2020
Bally BetComing soon (pending)
BetlyAugust 2022
BetMGMNovember 2020
CaesarsMarch 2021
DraftKingsNovember 2020
ESPN BETNovember 2023
Fanatics SportsbookMay 2023
FanDuelNovember 2020
FuboComing soon (pending)
Hard RockSeptember 2022
WagrJanuary 2022

Land-based Tennessee sportsbooks

There are no land-based Tennessee sportsbooks to visit. Those interested in seeing retail sportsbooks will have to hop into another state like Mississippi or Arkansas, where there are three sportsbooks, to find in-person action.

Who can bet on sports in Tennessee?

Legal age 🎂

You must be at least 21 to bet on sports at Tennessee’s 11 online sportsbooks/sports betting apps.

Mobile betting 📱

Mobile betting became legal in Tennessee in 2019, and the first online sportsbooks went live in November 2020. To date, 11 online sportsbooks are active, with two more on the horizon and unlimited sports betting licenses available to encourage future industry growth.

Remote registration 💻

There are no retail sportsbooks in the state. So, a benefit to Tennessee sports bettors is the ease of remote registration at all 11 online sportsbooks. This process should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Within state borders 🌎

You do not need to be a full-time resident of Tennessee to use the state’s online sportsbooks and sports betting apps. However, operators use geotagging software to pinpoint your location at the time of login and when placing a bet. Bettors must be located within TN state borders, or you won’t be able to proceed with signing in and placing a wager.

Retail sportsbooks 🏢

There are no retail, land-based sportsbooks in Tennessee and no plans in the immediate future to build any casinos. You will have to visit neighboring states like Mississippi and Arkansas.

Taxable winnings 💸

In a win for the sports bettors of Tennessee, there are no state-based taxes on sports betting profits. However, as is the case in any state where sports betting is legal, the federal tax rate is 25% on profits. Remember, you can offset some tax liability by keeping good records of your wins and losses and write off the latter.

What you can't bet on in Tennessee

Sports betting has been legal in Tennessee since 2019, and with the Sports Gaming Act came carte blanche on most betting marketing, including the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, PGA, MMA, and European soccer. However, some niche pop culture categories vary from state to state:

Politics ❌

It is illegal to wager on political events in Tennessee or any other state where sports betting is legal. You will not find odds on the 2024 presidential election or who will be Canada’s next Prime Minster anytime soon.

Entertainment award ceremonies ❌

Though it’s not legal to wager on award ceremonies like the Oscars or Emmys, Tennessee law states that you can wager on special events like the NFL Draft. So, odds should be on the board for things like “What position will the Titans draft with their first-round pick?” and “Over/Under three quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round of the 2023 draft.”

eSports ✅

For a conservative sports betting state, Tennessee is quite progressive in allowing bets on eSports events. In an interesting wrinkle, each video game tournament and related eSports betting market must be individually approved by the SWAC before its listing.

What about Tennessee college sports? 🎓

It is legal to wager on collegiate sports featuring out-of-state and in-state teams. So, if you’re itching to back Memphis in March Madness or like the Vols to pull an SEC upset some Saturday in the fall, you’re in luck. However, you cannot live bet on college sporting events, nor will you find college player prop bet odds.

Responsible Tennessee sports betting

Diehard sports fans will know the SWAC as the Southwestern Athletic Conference, but it’s also known as the Sports Wagering Advisory Council in Tennessee. The state’s regulatory body is responsible for all forms of sports betting, a role inherited from the Tennessee Education Lottery in early 2022. The SWAC handles operator applications, issues licenses, enforces laws, and monitors each online sportsbook for compliance. If any infraction occurs, they will enforce the fines, too.

Operators working in the state must pay a $750,000 annual fee, and the state taxes their profits at 20%. Tennessee is the only state that enforces a 10% hold rate, and sportsbooks can only pay 90% of their betting handle for the year. This rule allows Tennessee state coffers to enjoy more tax revenue at year’s end.

Aside from day-to-day regulation, the SWAC also helps those with gambling addiction. The state’s 24/7 hotline is 1-800-889-9789, which bettors can contact via call or text.

National U.S. gambling hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Tennessee

Although Governor Bill Lee elected not to sign the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act into law, perhaps he was thinking of how much money his state was losing to offshore sportsbooks and other illegal sites. These unregulated operators have been lurking in the background of the United States gaming industry for decades. Still, they should be avoided at all costs now that legal sports betting in Tennessee is the new normal.

The Sports Wagering Advisory Council is the regulatory body in charge of keeping operators honest and fair gameplay commonplace. They are always on the lookout for offshore entities trying to sneak their services into the state, like the three sportsbooks below:

BetOnSports ❌TopBet ❌131Sport ❌
Blacklisted since 2006Scam sportsbookBlacklisted since 2007
Grand jury indictmentOver a dozen reported confiscated winningsHistory of scams
Over $16-million owedOffline with $45,000 unpaid to players

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

More recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state. And with events like the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments happening all Summer long, the excitement and opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts continue to grow.

Tennessee sports betting FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Tennessee?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Tennessee. However, there are no retail, land-based sportsbooks to visit in person. So, you’ll have to sign-up via an online sportsbook or sports betting app with any of the 11 (soon to be 13) operators.

When did sports betting go live in Tennessee?

Sports betting went live in July 2019 when the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act became law without the governor’s signature. It was allowed to pass because he believed it was in the state’s best interest.

What sportsbooks are legal in Tennessee?

You have 11 active online sportsbooks to choose from including (with two pending):

  • Action247
  • Bally Bet (coming soon)
  • Betly
  • BetMGM
  • Caesars
  • DraftKings
  • ESPN BET
  • Fanatics Sportsbook
  • FanDuel
  • Hard Rock
  • Wagr

Can you bet on TN-based teams in Tennessee?

Yes, you can wager on Tennessee-based teams, both at the professional and college level. The one caveat to betting on collegiate athletics is that live-betting and college player props are prohibited.

Where can I bet on sports in Tennessee?

You can be at any of 11 online sportsbooks offering sports betting apps, but not at any retail locations. So, you can take your betting action on the road with you with these books:

  • Action247
  • Bally Bet (coming soon)
  • Betly
  • BetMGM
  • Caesars
  • DraftKings
  • ESPN BET
  • Fanatics Sportsbook
  • FanDuel
  • Hard Rock
  • Wagr

Do you have to live in Tennessee to bet online?

No, you don’t have to be a full-time resident of Tennessee to be online. You could visit friends and family in the state, on vacation, or simply be passing through and bet on sports. Remember, all 11 sports betting apps use geolocation software, and you must be located within Tennessee’s borders when signing in and placing a wager.

How many online sportsbooks are there in Tennessee?

There are 11 active online sportsbooks in Tennessee with two pending launches (Bally Bet and Fubo) as well as unlimited licenses available to those operators interested in joining the Volunteer State market.

How do you place a sports bet in Tennessee?

With no land-based sportsbooks in Tennessee, those interested in placing a sports bet must sign up with one of 11 online sportsbooks/sports betting apps.

Are sports betting apps legal in Tennessee?

Yes, sports betting apps are legal in Tennessee. The Volunteer State has 11 active online sportsbooks, 13 licensed sportsbooks, and unlimited licenses to offer new operators since legalizing mobile sports betting in 2019.

What is the minimum age to bet in Tennessee?

If you want to wager at any of Tennessee’s 11 online sportsbooks, you must be at least 21.