Tennessee is unique among U.S. betting states because it operates an online-only sports betting market. There are no retail sportsbooks in the state, but bettors can place wagers statewide through licensed mobile apps.
Legal sports betting launched in November 2020, making Tennessee one of the early adopters of regulated online wagering in the Southeast.
Is sports betting legal in Tennessee?
Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Tennessee, while retail sports betting is not permitted.
The state approved sports wagering legislation in 2019, with online sportsbooks going live on November 1, 2020. The market is regulated by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC), which oversees licensing, compliance, and responsible gaming standards.
Who can bet on sports in Tennessee?
To legally place a sports bet in Tennessee, you must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum age: 21 years old
- Location: Must be physically located inside Tennessee
- Account verification: Identity and age verification required
Geolocation technology is used by sportsbooks to confirm in-state wagering.
Tennessee sports betting rules explained
Tennessee’s betting rules are fairly straightforward, but there are a few state-specific features worth noting.
What you can bet on in Tennessee
- Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, golf, tennis, motorsports, and more)
- College sports, including Tennessee-based teams
- Player props and futures
- Live and in-play betting
- Parlays and same-game parlays
What you cannot bet on in Tennessee
- High school sports
- Youth or amateur athletic events
- Non-sport novelty markets
Unlike many states, Tennessee requires sportsbooks to meet certain minimum payout standards, which can influence how odds are structured across operators.
Tennessee online sportsbooks
Because Tennessee is mobile-only, all legal sports betting takes place through online platforms. Several well-known national operators are licensed in the state.
Here are the major online sportsbooks operating in Tennessee:
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is one of the most widely used betting apps in Tennessee, offering competitive odds, live betting, and a broad range of markets across professional and college sports.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings provides deep betting options, detailed statistics, and strong in-play wagering tools tailored for both casual and experienced bettors.
BetMGM
Backed by MGM Resorts, BetMGM offers a polished mobile experience, frequent promotions, and a wide variety of betting markets.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars delivers a straightforward betting interface, national brand recognition, and access to its Caesars Rewards ecosystem.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics combines sports betting with its retail-focused rewards model, allowing bettors to earn FanCash for eligible wagers.
bet365
Known globally for sharp odds and live betting depth, bet365 adds strong coverage of international and niche markets.
Other operators may enter or exit the Tennessee market over time based on licensing and regulatory changes.
Retail sports betting in Tennessee
Tennessee does not allow retail sportsbooks. All legal sports wagering must be conducted through online and mobile betting apps.
Taxes and regulation in Tennessee
For bettors:
- Sports betting winnings may be subject to federal taxes, depending on total annual winnings.
For operators:
- Sportsbook revenue is taxed at 20%
- Oversight and enforcement are handled by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council
How to place a sports bet in Tennessee
Placing a legal sports bet in Tennessee is simple:
- Choose a licensed Tennessee sportsbook
- Create an account and verify your identity
- Deposit funds using an approved payment method
- Select your sport and betting market
- Enter your wager and confirm
Withdrawals are processed through approved banking or digital payment methods, depending on the sportsbook.
Responsible gaming in Tennessee
Sports betting should always be treated as entertainment, not a source of guaranteed income. Tennessee sportsbooks are required to provide responsible gaming tools, including deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing gambling-related issues, help is available.
Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789