Online sports betting is live and legal in Tennessee, with 13 apps jockeying for position. Online sportsbooks began launching in the state in November 2020.
The only way to bet on sports in Tennessee is via mobile apps and online wagering. Retail betting is not offered in the state.
TN sports betting apps offer plenty of signup incentives for new users, and more apps are likely to launch pending approval from the Sports Wagering Advisory Council. Here’s a look at the Tennessee sports betting market and available books.
Best Tennessee sportsbooks October 2022
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What’s happening in Tennessee sports betting right now?
- October 3, 2022 – The Tennessee Volunteers have a daunting schedule ahead of them following an early bye week with four of their next five games against ranked opponents.
- September 24, 2022 – The Tennessee Volunteers won their second game against a ranked opponent this season, topping Florida 38-33, to move to 4-0.
- September 15, 2022 – Tennessee sportsbooks took $205.9 million in bets during August. Taxable revenue was $24.4 million leading to $4.9 million in taxes paid.
- September 6, 2022 – Hard Rock Sportsbook launched Tuesday, just in time for the first NFL game of the season. The Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams kick off the season Thursday night.
- August 15, 2022 – Tennessee crossed the $5 billion mark for handle in 21 months with $182.8 million in bets and $18.2 million in revenue. Operators paid $3.7 million in taxes.
- August 3, 2022 – Caesars is now an official sports betting partner of the Memphis Grizzlies. Included in the partnership is the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge, which replaces a WynnBET-branded lounge.
- July 18, 2022 – Handle from Tennessee’s mobile sportsbooks hit was $215.8 million in June, which is down 17.5% from May but up 23.7% from last June. Revenue was $15.9 million, down 13.4% from May and 42% from last June.
- July 6, 2022 – Tennessee’s mobile sportsbooks took $261.6 million in bets during May, which is the lowest total since $257.3 million was bet in September 2021.
Comparing top Tennessee sportsbooks
When looking for a place to play, you’ll want to focus on sportsbooks that offer the features that you’re looking for. Here are the ones that hit the mark in several key categories.
- Best sportsbooks for betting on the Titans and Volunteers: DraftKings, FanDuel. Offering a wide range of markets and opportunities to bet on the Tennessee Titans and University of Tennessee Volunteers, you’ll want to have DraftKings and FanDuel regularly deliver a smooth and pain-free experience.
- Best sportsbook for overall experience: BetMGM. BetMGM is among the best for overall options and features. It has all of the top leagues and events, as well as smaller sports such as darts, rugby, snooker and more.
- Best sportsbook for competitive odds: Caesars. Sports betting odds will vary based on betting volume and other considerations, but you’ll want the books that you play with to consistently be in range of the market as a whole. Caesars typically delivers on that front. A 2021 independent study from Eilers & Krejcik ranks Caesars high for bet presentation, too.
- Best sportsbook for promos and rewards: Caesars. Incentives for players shouldn’t end with the signup bonus. You’ll likely want a sportsbook that pays attention to recurring players. Caesars manages to do so with a consistent array of promos and a rewards program.
- Best sportsbooks for web and mobile performance: DraftKings, FanDuel. You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to perform basic functions with a sports betting site. While all of the top books do a solid overall job, DraftKings and FanDuel get the nod for delivering the smoothest experience.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
The user experience is clearly a strong point for DraftKings as the online sportsbook delivers one of the smoothest platforms on the market. Key highlights include a good approach to live betting and clear-cut menus for props and alternate lines. More promo offerings and clearer playthrough requirements would be nice to see, though.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Slick platform with lots of great features.
- Best feature: Live betting
- Bonus offer: $1,050
2. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars has a big menu of sports to choose from and odds that tend to be very competitive. Additional highlights include regular promos and a rewards program. Navigation and overall appearance could use some tweaks in a few spots, however.
- App rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Competitive odds and regular promos.
- Best feature: Rewards program
- Bonus offer: $1,250
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is noteworthy for the variety of sports and betting options that it offers, including sports that don’t receive as much attention elsewhere. As for potential improvements, the betting platform could be a bit smoother and more efficient.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Big menu of sports and bets to choose from.
- Best feature: Easy parlay builder
- Bonus offer: $1,000
4. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is easy to use while still offering lots of great features. The company has been a driving force behind single-game parlays and other trends. The layout is clean and the odds are solid, but the site could use more promos for regular players.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.8 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Simple to use with all of the features you need.
- Best feature: Same-game parlays
- Bonus offer: $1,000
New Tennessee betting apps
Wagr Sportsbook is the latest company to enter the Tennessee legal online sports betting scene, with a launch in January 2022. That brings the total legal books in the state to nine, with more likely to follow, including the following:
- Bally Bet
- BetRivers
- Gamewise
- Fubo Gaming (approved but no launch date)
- PointsBet
- SuperBook
- Zen Sports
How to get started with best Tennessee sportsbook bonuses
Signing up to play at a legal online sportsbook is a simple process. You can take care of everything remotely by following the on-screen instructions and entering the requested information. While the list of places you can play in Tennessee continues to grow, keep an eye out for the best sign-up bonuses:
- DraftKings Promo Code: $50 free bet plus a 20% match up to $1,000 on deposit.
- Caesars Promo Code: Free bet on Caesars up to $1,250 + 1000 Tier Credits + 1000 Reward Credits®.
- BetMGM Bonus Code: First bet is risk-free up to $1,000.
- FanDuel Promo Code: A no sweat first bet up to $1,000.
You can try as many sportsbooks as you like while seeking the ones that work best for you. Prior to signing up, make sure that you have a good handle on the bonus terms and conditions. Here is some common terminology:
Deposit bonus: The sportsbook will match your first deposit up to a certain amount. You’ll receive bonus funds that aren’t eligible for withdrawal and that have a wagering requirement you’ll need to meet.
Free bets: Some sportsbooks will give you a free bet after you sign up, but you may need to deposit first. The amount of the free bet isn’t eligible for withdrawal, but any winnings you get from it will be yours to do with as you wish.
Odds boosts: Sportsbooks will enhance the odds on select bets, such as a special parlay or player prop. Thanks to the boost, you have the chance to receive more profits if the bet wins.
It’ll only take you a few minutes to sign up with an online sportsbook in Tennessee. Once you’re set to play, you’ll have a legal and safe betting option within reach to wager responsibly.
10 quick facts about Tennessee sports betting
- Tennessee legalized sports betting in 2019, but it took some time to finalize official rules and regulations.
- The state’s first online sportsbooks launched in November 2020.
- Tennessee is an online-only state for sports betting. There are no casinos in the state or current plans for retail sportsbooks.
- In the first month of betting, Tennessee online sportsbooks brought in more than $131 million in betting handle.
- The state set its monthly handle record in October 2021 at over $375 million.
- To legally bet on sports in Tennessee, you must be 21 or older.
- Tennessee is the only state to have a minimum hold provision (10%) for sportsbooks.
- It’s legal to bet on both pro and college sports in Tennessee.
- Tennessee does not allow in-game prop bets on individual college athletes or teams, or any prop bet on college athletes.
- Those with a close affiliation to leagues or teams cannot legally bet on their own sports.
What to expect at legal sportsbooks in Tennessee
Tennessee is distinct in that while sports betting is legal, there are no physical sportsbooks in the state.
The Sports Wagering Advisory Council took over regulatory duties in early 2022 from the Tennessee Education Lottery. The council handles the licensing and regulation of the market, which appears likely to continue to expand with additional online sportsbooks.
After officially opening with four legal online sportsbooks in November 2020, Tennessee has since expanded to nine. Bettors across the state can wager in a legal and safe fashion.
Latest Tennessee sports betting news
2021 Taxes Still In Question For TN Sportsbooks As Hold Remains Low
The Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council still does not have clear 2021 tax information for at least four TN sportsbooks. Executive Director Mary Beth Thomas told the SWAC about the discrepancies at its February meeting. Thomas confirmed to LSR Wednesday there is still no update on the matter. The tax data the new regulator received […] Read More
Will Any Of Three New Tennessee Sportsbooks Launch Soon?
The Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council approved three more applications for Tennessee sportsbooks at Thursday’s meeting. Only one is ready to launch soon, though. SuperBook plans to launch sports betting in Tennessee next month, the company told SWAC Chairman Billy Orgel after approval. Betly and Bally Bet will take longer to go live. Bally Bet […] Read More
Tennessee Sportsbooks Take Record Handle In January
All it took was one Tennessee Titans playoff game for state sportsbooks to hit a new handle record. Tennessee’s regulator reported $386.1 million in handle for January, topping the old record from October by 2.9%. That new record could have been above $400 million had the top-seeded Titans not lost in their only game this […] Read MoreTennessee sports betting law and regulations
The US Supreme Court opened the door for individual states to legalize sports betting in May 2018. While Tennessee did not pursue legalization right away, the situation changed the following year, as a sports betting bill made its way through the Legislature.
Sports betting officially became legal in the state in June 2019. It took a long time to get from that point to sports betting actually launching in the state. Rules and regulations finally went into place the following year, with online sportsbooks opening in November 2020.
Here are some key aspects of Tennessee sports betting law:
- The state taxes gross gambling revenue at a rate of 20%.
- Licensees must pay $750,000 annually.
- Sports betting is only available online, with no plans for retail sportsbooks.
- Sportsbooks have a mandatory hold requirement of 10% on all wagers.
Full list of legal sports betting apps in Tennessee
The list of legal online Tennessee sports betting options continues to grow. Here are the current legal sportsbooks in Tennessee:
- Action 24/7 Sportsbook
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- TwinSpires Sportsbook
- Wagr Sportsbook
- WynnBET Sportsbook
Popular sports to bet on in Tennessee
Up until the late 1990s, sports fans in Tennessee looking for a pro team to latch onto had to look elsewhere. It’s a different story these days, as the booming state has attracted clubs from three of the major sports.
- NFL: Tennessee Titans
- NBA: Memphis Grizzlies
- NHL: Nashville Predators
There’s also a great deal of interest in college sports. The University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt are among the top choices for college football and basketball, but there are a number of smaller programs to choose from, as well.
While there are no restrictions on betting on in-state college teams, Tennessee doesn’t allow live prop bets on individual athletes or teams when it comes to college sports. Other top options at sportsbooks include soccer, golf and NASCAR, while smaller sports like cricket and table tennis also generate some interest.
Wagering is technically restricted to actual sporting events, but you can bet on things like the result of the coin toss come Super Bowl time. However, entertainment-related betting — like wagering on the Oscars or reality television results — is not legal in Tennessee.
Tennessee sports betting history
In 2016, then-Gov. Bill Haslam signed the Fantasy Sports Act, which legalized daily fantasy sports in Tennessee. After the national law on legal sports betting changed in 2018, it took some time for the state to take meaningful action.
State Rep. Rick Staples introduced HB 0001 in 2019, and the bill made its way through the state legislature. Gov. Bill Lee didn’t sign it when it reached his desk, but Tennessee law allowed the bill to go through without his signature.
The first online sportsbooks made their debut in November 2020. The Tennessee legal sports betting market has been steadily growing.
2019: HB 0001 makes its way through the state Legislature and ultimately becomes law. Sports betting becomes legal in Tennessee in June.
2020: Legal online sports betting goes live in November. BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Action 24/7 all debut on opening day.
2021: In March, Action 24/7 was suspended by the TEL after an internal investigation discovered evidence of money laundering and proxy betting. An injunction by a federal judge later allows Action 24/7 to go back online. Tennessee has a record-breaking month in November as online sportsbooks in the state take in over $375 million in betting handle.
2022: The Sports Wagering Advisory Council takes over as the regulator for Tennessee sports betting, replacing the Tennessee Education Lottery.
Tennessee sports betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Tennessee?
Yes, it’s legal to bet on sports in Tennessee. Sports betting became legal in 2019, but the only options are online sportsbook apps. The first legal sportsbooks debuted in November 2020.
Where can I bet on sports in TN?
Tennessee is an online-only sports betting state. There are no casinos within state lines and no plans to open retail sportsbooks at the present time.
Can you bet at offshore sportsbooks from Tennessee?
It is possible to do so but it is illegal. Offshore sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline don’t abide by any Tennessee or US rules, including the ones that aim to protect bettors. As such, you’re taking serious risks by choosing to do business with any offshore sportsbook. There could be no protections in place for your data or funds.
How old do you have to be to bet on sports in TN?
The legal age to bet on sports in Tennessee is 21. As part of the signup process, the sportsbook will verify your age and identity. If it has any trouble doing so, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation.
Is betting on horse racing legal in Tennessee?
There are no operating racetracks, off-track betting or simulcasting sites in Tennessee. You can bet online at TwinSpires, but TVG does not currently operate in the state.
Are daily fantasy sports legal in TN?
Daily fantasy sports contests have been officially legal in Tennessee since Gov. Bill Haslam signed the Fantasy Sports Act in 2016. DraftKings and FanDuel, the two major DFS operators, are both available in the state.
Is college sports betting legal in Tennessee?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Tennessee. There are no restrictions for betting on in-state schools such as Tennessee or Vanderbilt, but the state doesn’t allow live prop bets during college games or prop bets on individual college athletes.
Is Action 24/7 legit?
Action 24/7 is a legal online sportsbook, authorized for play in Tennessee by the Sports Wagering Advisory Council. However, it has had more problems as an operator than any other regulated US sportsbook. The sportsbook was suspended by state regulators in 2021 for multiple violations of regulations, including lack of internal controls.
Tennessee sports betting resources
- Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council — Information on licensing, dispute resolution and more.
- Problem gambling programs — Information and resources from the TN Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
- List of approved licensees and registrants — From the TSWAC website.
- HB 0001 — The Tennessee sports betting bill that ultimately became law.
- The Tennessean — Coverage of state and national sports news.
- Chattanooga Times Free Press — Coverage of state and national sports news.