Tennessee Sports Betting
Tennessee sports betting is available online only. The state launched on November 1, 2020, and there are now 12 mobile betting apps jockeying for position with BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel leading the charge.
Best Tennessee sportsbooks March 2023
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What’s happening in Tennessee sports betting right now?
- March 17, 2023 – Tennessee sports betting handle hit $327.2 million in February while revenue was $31.8 million. Both numbers were a significant drop from January, but were up year-over-year.
- March 8, 2023 – Fanatics launched an invite-only beta test of its Fanatics Sportsbook in Tennessee. Early reports indicate the app may include a loyalty program where bettors can accumulate cash to be used later on Fanatics products.
- March 2, 2023 – Fanatics was approved for a Tennessee sports betting license. When it launches, Fanatics will be the 13th mobile sports betting app in the state. Tennessee will likely be the first state to launch a Fanatics app.
- March 1, 2023 – Barstool Sportsbook and Hard Rock Sportsbook were both fined for Sports Wagering Advisory Council violations. Barstool offered illegal prop bets while Hard Rock was fined for two different violations.
- February 24, 2023 – Tennessee sports handle topped $410.3 million in January, down about $30 million from December. Revenue for the month was $41.3 million, down about $8 million month-over-month.
- February 22, 2023 – The Sports Wagering Advisory Council received notice from Tennessee sports betting operators SuperBook and Betly that they are challenging the need to use official league data to settle wagers in the state.
- February 13, 2023 – ZenSports announced it has applied for a sports betting license in Tennessee. Nevada is currently the only other state where ZenSports is licensed.
- February 3, 2023 – Tennessee set new records yet again in sports betting handle ($440.5 million) and revenue ($49.1 million) in December. Both totals were slightly more than November’s record breaking totals.
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: $1,200
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
Hard Rock Sportsbook is the latest company to enter the Tennessee legal online sports betting scene, with a launch in September 2022. That brings the total legal books in the state to 13, with more likely to follow, including the following:
- BetRivers
- Gamewise
- Fubo Gaming (approved but no launch date)
- PointsBet
- ZenSports
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: Get up to $1,200 in bonuses.
- Caesars Promo Code: Bet credit on Caesars up to $1,250 + 1000 Tier Credits + 1000 Reward Credits®.
- BetMGM Bonus Code: Receive up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets.
- FanDuel Promo Code: Get up to $1,000 No Sweat First Bet.
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.
No deposit bonuses: You receive site credits or bet vouchers as soon as you create an account, no deposit necessary. You won’t be able to cash them out at first, but they will allow you to bet freely.
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.
Tennessee 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:
- Tennessee Action 24/7 Sportsbook
- BallyBet Sportsbook
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Betly Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- SuperBook
- 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, Tennessee has legalized sports betting. It was the first state to legalize sports betting before any other form of gambling.
Sports betting became legal in 2019, but the only options are online sportsbook apps as there are no brick-and-mortar sportsbooks or casinos in the state. 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. Since launching in 2019, there are now 12 sports betting apps active in the state including BetMGM, FanDuel and DraftKings.
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.