The status of online gambling in the United States is an endlessly complicated topic that seems to change fast as new laws are enacted and additional states move to legalize either sports betting or online casino gambling.
Tennessee provides a good example of the duality of the US market. From a strict ban to comfortable legalization, it has taken the step of approving online sports betting. The legalization only applies to online betting and does not include online casino gambling or gaming. Also, there are currently no plans for physical sportsbooks or in-person sports betting.
The online sportsbook approval in Tennessee is recent, with the first operators going live in November of 2020. An influx of new bettors has hit the market, searching for the best online sports betting options, but it can be hard to locate and evaluate potential providers.
Here’s what you need to know about sports betting in Tennessee.
Can I Bet on Sports in Tennessee?
Yes, you can bet on sports in Tennessee. You can only wager online, however, as there are no physical sportsbooks in the state.
Do I Have to Be a Resident of Tennessee to Bet Online?
You do not need to be a Tennessee resident to bet on sports online. You must, though, be physically located in the state to bet. Geolocation verification software is used to detect your location and will screen out any players who are physically located outside the state.
What Is the Legal Betting Age in Tennessee?
To place a sports bet in Tennessee legally, you must be at least 21-years-old.
Why Should I Join a Tennessee Betting Site?
Betting in Tennessee is fun and easy to do. More importantly, it’s extremely safe and secure for bettors. Here are some reasons why you should bet in Tennessee:
- All legal sportsbooks in the state are licensed and regulated by the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation.
- The sportsbooks are audited to make sure your personal information and funds are safe and secure.
- It’s very convenient as you can bet at home or on the go.
- Betting lines are fair and consistent.
- Many sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses and promotions for joining.
Why Avoid Offshore Sportsbooks
- Offshore sportsbooks are kind of illegal and definitely unregulated.
- There are way fewer banking options.
- You can’t trust that you’ll be paid.
- There are fewer betting options available.
- There are no online sports betting apps available, so it’s more inconvenient.
Tennessee Sports Betting Sites
Starting November 1, 2020, online sports betting became legal in Tennessee. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Tennessee Action 24/7 all launched on the launch date. Currently, there are seven online sportsbooks available. Below are the online sportsbooks currently live in Tennessee:
DraftKings Sportsbook
Players looking for a well-established sportsbook with plenty of opportunities should take a close look at what DraftKings Sportsbook has to offer. Not only are they a respected online sports betting provider, but they are also actively securing new deals and exclusive advantages for their users. It includes being named an official sportsbook and betting partner of the NFL and PFL and signing distribution and content deals with industry leaders, such as Meadowlark Media.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars made a huge splash in the online sports gambling space when it completed its purchase of the popular British-based sportsbook William Hill. It made further inroads in the United States sports betting market with an aggressive marketing campaign and loads of great promos that enticed bettors to participate in its app and online sportsbook.
Residents and tourists in Tennessee can sign up and wager with the Caesars Online Sportsbook, which offers great odds, terrific betting markets and much more.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is an experienced sports betting and casino gambling provider with online and in-person service, with only the former being available to Tennessee players. Still, the company’s history is good to note, helping to illustrate the transparency and honesty the sportsbook offers its users. BetMGM was one of the first sportsbook providers to launch in Tennessee, and the application has only improved over time.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook is another provider that jumped into Tennessee’s online sports betting market quickly, being one of the first sportsbooks to launch in Tennessee. FanDuel covers national and international leagues, major sports events, and daily sports. The overall ratings of this bookmaker are impressive. FanDuel recently announced a partnership with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies.
WynnBET Sportsbook
WynnBET betting site is perhaps first known as a luxury brand rather than as a sports betting provider. The company has been making strides to improve its online sportsbook as more states move to legalize online sports betting in the US. It is illustrated best by its partnership with BetBull, a UK sports betting provider known for its quality service and comprehensive offerings. Since the signing of the agreement, WynnBET has launched in multiple states, including Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee.
You can also bet at the following sports betting sites in TN:
- Tennessee Action 24/7
How Do I Join Tennessee Sports Betting Sites?
Every sportsbook sets out to make the registration process as easy and efficient for players as it possibly can. The first thing is reaching the correct page to sign up. This can be done by clicking the ‘Get Bonus’ button on our site next to the site of your choosing, or by clicking one of the many links we have placed around the site. Both options will redirect you right to the registration page.
You can also visit the website homepage directly but should be armed with one of our promo codes to enter during the signup process to receive the bonus. Once you have reached the signup page, follow these steps:
- Go to the site and either register online or download the app
- Complete the registration process on the app if using it
- Provide the information requested, which will include basic personal details such as name and address, plus the last four digits of your social security number
- Enter your promo code if you have one
- Read and accept the terms and conditions
- Wait for verification that you have been accepted as a customer
- Deposit funds and start betting
Be aware that all licensed Tennessee sportsbooks must verify your identity, age, and location. They need to know that you are who you say you are, that you are over 21, and that you are in the state of Indiana. Online sportsbooks use high-quality identification and geolocation technology, and verification is usually done within minutes or even seconds. If it takes longer, it may mean that you have entered details incorrectly.
How To Fund My Account
Online Tennessee sportsbooks make it quick and easy to deposit funds and withdraw winnings. Not every sportsbook has the same options, but all are user-friendly.
Deposit Process
Depositing funds into your account is easy, and the process should go like this:
- Click Cashier, Deposit, or Add Funds
- Choose your payment options
- Enter the amount you want to deposit
- If using an eWallet such as PayPal, enter your password to confirm the process
- The WV betting site will verify the process is complete, and it will be reflected in your deposit
- Check email for further confirmation from the sportsbook
Withdrawal Process
Withdrawal funds are secure as long as you are wagering with a site that is licensed by the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation. Some sportsbooks may require verification (such as a driver’s license) before processing withdrawal requests.
Similar to depositing funds, withdrawing is relatively easy:
- Find the withdrawal option on the sportsbook app or site
- Choose a method of withdrawal
- Enter the amount you want to take out.
- If using an eWallet such as PayPal, you will need to type in your password to complete the transaction
- Your balance will reflect the withdrawal, and you will receive an email confirmation
Payment Options
Once your account is set up, you will need to deposit some funds before you can start betting. Most Tennessee sports betting sites and apps accept a wide range of deposit options. When it comes to withdrawing any winnings, you can request a withdrawal at any time, and your winnings are usually returned to the same account or online wallet you used to deposit.
Deposit Options
Each operator will have different payment methods, so check that your preferred payment method is available before signing up. Most funding sources are instant, but some can take a few days to clear.
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, AMEX, Mastercard, Discover)
- Prepaid Cards
- Play+ Cards
- PayPal
- Skrill/Neteller
- PayNearMe
- ACH/eCheck
Withdrawal Options
Compared to deposits, there are fewer options to withdraw funds, but there are still enough options out there:
- Play+ Prepaid Cards
- PayPal
- Skrill
- ACH/eCheck
- Check By Mail
How to Download a Tennessee Betting App
Sportsbook apps are the main way to bet on sports in the state of Tennessee. Downloading sportsbook apps to your phone/mobile device are quick and easy. Below is the step-by-step process for both iOS and Android:
iPhone
- Go to the App Store
- Search for the sportsbook of your choosing
- Click on the app and click “Get”
- Confirm the installation with verification
- Wait for the app to download
Android
- Open Google Play and use the Play Store app
- Search for the sportsbook of your choosing
- Tap Install and wait for the app to download
What Sports Can I Bet on in TN?
Tennessee offers its sports fans a large number of sports to bet on via mobile apps and online sports betting sites. The sports that are covered include:
- Football (NFL, NCAA)
- Basketball (NBA, NCAA)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Hockey (NHL)
- Soccer
- Golf
- Tennis
- Motorsports (NASCAR, Formula 1)
- Boxing
- Mixed Martial Arts (UFC)
Tennessee’s sports betting options are on a par and compare well with the sports betting options in other states that legalized online sportsbooks.
Betting Restrictions
Each sportsbook has its own rules and regulations, so not every sportsbook follows the same guidelines. There are, however, certain restrictions that all sports bettors must follow in the state of TN. Below are the following restrictions:
- Bettors are not able to make in-play wagers on collegiate events.
- Bettors can not wager on high school athletics.
Local Sports Teams to Bet on
The following teams are local to the state of Tennessee:
- Tennessee Titans
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Nashville Predators
- Nashville SC
- Tennessee Volunteers (NCAA)
- Vanderbilt Commodores (NCAA)
- Memphis Tigers (NCAA)
Bet Types Available
- Moneyline: The moneyline is the most basic form of sports betting. It’s simply the bettor picking which team will win, balanced by the sportsbook’s odds that it will happen. The favorite will have a negative moneyline, while the underdog will have a positive moneyline.
- Point Spread: The margin of victory involved in betting Against The Spread (ATS). The bettor is wagering on the point margin between two teams.
- Totals: Also known as an Over/Under, is betting on a game or prop total for more (Over) or fewer (Under) than a sportsbook-designated total.
- Props: Bet on an item not directly involved with the score/result of a game. A prop could be a player’s total points scored, home runs hit, touchdowns scored, and it can be team totals like passing yards, three-pointers made, etc.
- Live Betting: Live betting allows a sports bettor to place wagers on games as they happen. The sportsbook will change the odds as the game progresses depending on what’s happening in the game.
- Futures: Betting on an event, statistic, or anything similar to occur after the end of a full event or season. An example of this would be betting on next year’s Super Bowl winner in the preseason.
- Parlays: A single bet that links together two or more individual wagers and is dependent on all of those wagers winning together is called a parlay. If any of the bets in the parlay lose, the entire parlay loses.
Tennessee Sportsbook List
While online sports betting is legal in Tennessee, the state does not have any land-based sportsbooks or casinos available. While most states have their online sportsbooks partnered with a casino, Tennessee is the opposite. Sports betting in the state is strictly mobile-focused and exclusively online.
Can I Play at Online Casinos in TN?
No, you cannot play at online casinos in Tennessee. While the state recently legalized online sports betting, neither online nor in-person casino gambling is permitted there.
When Did Tennessee Sports Betting Become Legal?
Sports betting was officially legalized in Tennessee in 2019 after the Tennessee state legislature approved a bill allowing sports betting. While the bill did not receive Governor Bill Lee’s signature, he allowed it to become law regardless and the countdown for legal sports betting in the state was on. Players should note that the bill legalized online sports wagering only. Unlike other states with legal sportsbooks, Tennessee does not offer its residents any in-person betting options, nor does the state host any casinos to double as a brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
Online sports betting went live on November 1st, 2020, after spending more than a year lining up all the proper regulations and legal procedures to govern the industry. Bettors did not exactly have a large pool of providers at that time, however, with only three companies launching sportsbooks: DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel. While that has changed over the past few months, Tennessee sports betting fans are still only able to choose between a handful of online operators.
Tennessee Sports Betting Timeline
- May 14, 2018 - After a long and uphill battle, the Supreme Court rules in favor of New Jersey and declares the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) unlawful. This allowed all states to legalize sports betting.
- May 24, 2019 - Governor Bill Lee returned the bill to the legislature without his signature. Since Gov. Lee did not veto it, the bill passed into law, legalizing sports betting in Tennessee.
- November 1, 2020 - Online sports betting went live in Tennessee, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Tennessee Action 24/7 all launching.
