Tennessee Sports Betting
Tennessee made history in May 2019 when it passed legislation to become the first US state to legalize an online-exclusive sports betting market. Until then, every other state had only launched online sportsbooks with retail sports betting. The mobile-only launch didn’t hamper the TN sports betting industry, as the state has handled more than $5 billion in bets since the betting market launched.
The uniqueness of Tennessee sports betting doesn’t stop with its online-only market. The state is one of the only in the US to pass sports betting legislation without the governor’s signature. In Tennessee law, if a governor doesn’t sign or reject a bill within ten days, it passes into law. That’s precisely what happened as Governor Bill Lee refused to support HB 0001 but allowed it to become law.
| Tax Rate | Regulator | Launch Date | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) | November 1, 2020 | Online only |
There are 11 online sportsbooks available in Tennessee, allowing you to bet from anywhere in the state. Read our complete guide to discover the best betting sites, which sports teams you can bet on, and the latest sports betting laws.
Sports Betting Operators in Tennessee
Tennessee currently has 11 online sportsbooks, with many of these brands available in dozens of US states. These include big names like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars. However, there are also smaller operators like Wagr and the local Tennessee Action 24/7.
The Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) licenses new sportsbooks and took over from Tennessee Education Lottery’s Sports Wagering Committee in January 2022. Tennessee operates a mobile-only sports betting market, so betting sites don’t need to partner with a land-based facility.
| Name | Operator | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Entain | November 1, 2020 |
| DraftKings | DraftKings Inc | November 1, 2020 |
| FanDuel | Flutter Entertainment | November 1, 2020 |
| Tennessee Action 24/7 | Action 24/7 | November 1, 2020 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars Entertainment | March 11, 2021 |
| WynnBET | Wynn Resorts | April 30, 2021 |
| Barstool Sportsbook | Penn National Gaming | September 8, 2021 |
| Wagr | Wagr | January 20, 2022 |
| SuperBook | Westgate Resorts | May 9, 2022 |
| Betly Sportsbook | Gamewise | August 16, 2022 |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | Seminole Tribe | September 6, 2022 |
The range of sportsbooks in Tennessee is set to increase, as SWAC has approved Fubo Sportsbook, Bally Bet, and ZenSport for launch.
Best Sportsbooks Apps and Bonuses in Tennessee
Popular Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operator DraftKings launched its online sportsbook on the opening day of sports betting in Tennessee, on November 1, 2020. It received a license from the Tennessee Education Lottery in September 2020, when the Sports Wagering Committee licensed its first batch of operators.
DraftKings signed a DFS and sports betting partnership with the NHL’s Nashville Predators in December 2020. DraftKings branding has been integrated into the Predators’ Bridgestone Arena, with statics boards and virtual signage on TV broadcasts.
After being one of the first sportsbooks to receive a license from the Tennessee Education Lottery in September 2020, FanDuel was also one of the first platforms to go live in the state in November 2020.
FanDuel signed a multi-year sports betting and DFS partnership in November 2020 with Memphis Grizzlies, Tennessee’s NBA franchise. This deal was FanDuel’s first with an NBA team, and FanDuel branding is now integrated into local broadcasts of Grizzlies games.
BetMGm made history in Tennessee after launching its online sportsbook in November 2020, becoming the first official sports betting partner of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. This was also the first sports betting deal agreed upon in TN.
In addition to partnering with Titans, BetMGM also announced former Titans running back Chris Johnson as a brand ambassador. Johnson played for the Titans between 2008 and 2013 and earned the nickname “CJ2K” after rushing 2,006 yards in 2009. He became only the sixth in NFL history to hit over 2,000 in a single season.
Previously known as William Hill Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook went live in Tennessee in March 2021. The betting site rebranded to match its operated Caesars Entertainment in April 2021. The sportsbook signed Peyton Manning, former Tennessee Volunteers QB, and SEC Championship winner, as a brand ambassador. This deal also included the rest of the Manning family, including Eli, Cooper, and Peyton’s father, Archie.
Caesars Sportsbooks is also the official betting partner of the Memphis Grizzlies after agreeing to a deal in August 2022. The betting brand has opened the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge at the Grizzlies’ FedExForum, but this facility does not feature a retail sportsbook.
SuperBook Sportsbook became the 13th operator approved in Tennessee in April 2022. The online sports betting platform went live on May 9, 2022, and SuperBook provides TN bettors with a dedicated webpage with local odds and promotions.
TwinSpires is an online pari-mutuel horse racing platform operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated. The app allows bettors in Tennessee to place bets on horse races, including the Iroquois Steeplechase, the Grade 1 steeplechase race held in the state at the Percy Warner Park in Nashville. TN bettors can also bet on horse races from across the US and the world.
Tennessee Legislation Timeline
- May 2, 2016: Governor Bill Haslam signs the Fantasy Sports Act, legalizing DFS in Tennessee.
- May 14, 2018: TheUS Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), ending Nevada’s near monopoly on sports betting in the US. This allows US states to pass sports betting legislation.
- January 8, 2019: Representative Rick Staples introduces HB 0001 to the House to legalize online sports betting in TN. Senator Steven Dickerson introduces a companion bill, SB 0016, on the same day.
- April 30, 2019: SB 0016 is substituted for HB 0001 in the Senate.
- May 14, 2019: HB 0001 passes the House and the Senate, going to Governor Bill Lee for his signature. The bill will create the first online-only sports betting market in the US.
- May 24, 2019: Gov. Lee returns the bill without his signature after ten days, which in Tennessee means the bill passes into law.
- November 1, 2020: The first four sportsbooks, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Tennessee Action 24/7, launch in the state.
- May 27, 2021: Gov. Lee signs SB 588, which transfers regulatory oversight of sports betting from the Tennessee Education Lottery to SWAC.
- January 1, 2022: SWAC takes over as the regulator for Tennessee sports betting.
Sports Betting in Tennessee
Tennessee is one of the only online-exclusive sports betting states in the US. Learn how you can bet in TN safely and legally below.
Is online sports betting legal in Tennessee?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Tennessee. TN was the first US state to introduce an online-only sports betting model with no retail sportsbooks. You can use a wide range of online operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM, anywhere in the state.
Who can bet on sports in TN?
You must be 21 or older to bet in Tennessee. In addition, you must allow your betting app to access your geolocation services to prove you are playing within state lines. Some people are prohibited from betting, including anyone on the self-exclusion list or prevented by a criminal history.
You also can’t bet on sports if you are a member of a professional or college sports team, whether as a player, coach, or staff member. Anyone employed by a league that creates rules for professional or college sports, like the NCAA or NFL, also can’t bet. Finally, if you work for a company providing sports betting, like a sportsbook, you are prohibited from betting.
What sports can you bet on in Tennessee?
You can bet on a wide range of sports in Tennessee, including all major league events. Many sportsbooks provide up to 20 different events, including US favorites like NASCAR, MMA, and boxing. However, some niche sports are also at different betting sites, like Aussie rules or lacrosse.
College sports betting is legal in Tennessee, and you can bet on teams from the state. However, you can play prop bets on teams or player props on individual athletes to protect young players from the pressure of betting.
Official League Data usage in Tennessee
Most US sportsbooks use Genius Sports for official league data, and the company is partnered with many betting sites in Tennessee. Using sportsbooks like DraftKings, you’ll get up-to-date information and stats for your in-play betting.
Tennessee Sports Betting Handle
A sports handle is an excellent way to measure the interest in sports betting in a state, as it tells you how much has been wagered over a specific time. Since sports betting was legalized in November 2020, Tennessee has seen monthly betting handles reach nearly $400 million, ranking as some of the biggest in the US.
| Month | Handle |
|---|---|
| Nov-20 | $131,444,523 |
| Dec-20 | $180,900,000 |
| Jan-21 | $211,300,000 |
| Feb-21 | $176,300,000 |
| Mar-21 | $205,900,000 |
| Apr-21 | $172,400,000 |
| May-21 | $160,900,000 |
| Jun-21 | $174,500,000 |
| Jul-21 | $144,559,000 |
| Aug-21 | $144,500,000 |
| Sep-21 | $257,300,000 |
| Oct-21 | $375,300,000 |
| Nov-21 | $365,700,000 |
| Dec-21 | $341,800,000 |
| Jan-22 | $386,059,756 |
| Feb-22 | $313,298,305 |
| Mar-22 | $370,230,004 |
| Apr-22 | $292,796,670 |
| May-22 | $261,582,468 |
| Jun-22 | $215,774,186 |
| Jul-22 | $182,769,323 |
| Aug-22 | $205,863,860 |
| Sep-22 | $336,933,437 |
Tennessee Sports Teams
Tennessee has three major league sports teams: the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, NHL’s Nashville Predators, and NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Professional soccer also arrived in the state in 2020 with the MLS’ Nashville SC. Read our overviews of some of the biggest teams in the Volunteer State.
The Tennessee Titans were formed in 1959 as the Houston Oilers, an inaugural team in the American Football League. The Oilers were pretty successful, winning back-to-back AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961, along with five division titles. The franchise moved to the NFL in 1970 and relocated to its current home in Tennessee in 1997.
Initially called the Tennessee Oilers, the franchise played at Memphis’ Liberty Bowl Stadium before moving to Vanderbilt Stadium in 1999 and taking the Titans name. The Titans made it to the Super Bowl in 2000, which is best remembered for its final play, where the Tennessee team was one yard short of a game-winning TD.
The Titans haven’t reached the Super Bowl since then, but after moving to the AFC South in 2002, have won division titles in 2002, 2008, 2020, and 2021.
Before playing in the NBA in Tennessee, the Grizzlies were created as a part of the league’s expansion into Canada. The Vancouver Grizzlies launched in 1995 alongside the Toronto Raptors but struggled to attract support in British Columbia. The franchise moved to Memphis in 2001 and now plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference at its home stadium, FedExForum.
The Grizzlies have struggled for long periods in the NBA, with the team winning its first divisional title in 2022. However, the team has made the playoffs 12 times since relocating from Vancouver. The furthest the side has made it in the playoffs is the conference semifinal in 2022, when the Grizzlies lost to eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors.
Professional ice hockey arrived in Nashville in 1998 when the NHL granted an expansion franchise to Tennessee, the Nashville Predators. The Predators joined the Western Conference and play at the Bridgestone Arena.
The side had to wait five years to qualify for the playoffs, making the postseason in the 2003/04 season. However, there was another long wait for fans for a second appearance, which didn’t come until 2017. It was worth the wait, as the team made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, then won a first conference championship and Presidents’ Trophy in 2018.
As a part of an MLS expansion in 2017, Nashville became host to the 28th team in the league. Nashville SC plays at Geodis Park, which opened in May 2022. However, the team spent its first two seasons playing at Nissan Stadium, the home of the Tennessee Titans.
Nashville SC’s first game was against Atlanta United in February 2020, and the Tennessee team helped fill the Nissan Stadium with 59,069 fans. This was the highest attendance for any soccer event in Tennessee. The team has made the playoffs twice since joining MLS, reaching the quarter-finals on both occasions.
Playing most sports in the Southeastern Conference, the University of Tennessee has 20 different varsity teams competing across all sports. The men’s football team has been incredibly successful, claiming six national championships. The program plays at the Neyland Stadium, which can hold more than 100,000 fans. Top former players include Hall of Famer Reggie White and five-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning. In addition, the women’s basketball team has claimed eight NCAA Tournament titles.
Another member of the Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt has had one of the best college baseball programs in the country in recent years. The team won the national championship in 2014 and 2019, along with coming runners-up in 2015. In addition, the school now holds the record for the most players taken in one MLB draft in the Southeastern Conference, with 12 chosen in 2011.
The women’s bowling team has also risen to prominence along with its baseball program. Competing in the Southland Bowling League, the program has claimed two national championships and has made the second most NCAA Tournament appearances.
While most programs at the University of Memphis haven’t had much national success, the Tigers Pom Pom squad has been a massive exception. The team collected 15 titles, including a nine-year period of dominance from 1987 to 1995. Top US athletes from the University of Memphis include 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose and Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard.
Tennessee Sporting Events
It’s not just major league teams that keep fans entertained in Tennessee, as the state hosts several exciting sports events throughout the calendar year. There is something for everyone, with college football bowl games, wrestling, NASCAR, and more.
Liberty Bowl
The Liberty Bowl is an annual college football game played either at the end of December or early January at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis. Created in 1959, it is one of the oldest non-New Year’s Six bowls.
Initially, the Philadelphia Municipal Stadium hosted the Liberty Bowl before the event moved to Atlantic City’s Convention Hall for one year in 1964. However, it moved to its current home in Tennessee in 1965.
The bowl has a matchup of the fourth-best team in the Big 12 against an SEC pool pick, with The American sending a side to the bowl should an SEC decline the invitation. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the winner of the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy would receive an automatic invitation if it was bowl eligible. The bowl also had tie-ins with Conference USA and the Mountain West Conference.
Ole Miss Rebels has won the most matchups in the bowl’s history, with four titles. The highest-ranked team to appear at the Liberty Bowl was the second-ranked Texas A&M University Aggies in 1975, who lost the game against the USC Trojans.
Music City Bowl
Hosted at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, the Music City Bowl is an annual college football game played since 1998. Vanderbilt Stadium hosted the event’s inaugural edition before it moved to the newly completed Nissan Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.
The game initially featured a matchup between the SEC and the Big East Conference before the Big Ten signed a tie-in in 2002. In 2006, the ACC replaced the Big Ten and sent one of its bowl-eligible teams to Nashville. From 2020 onwards, the bowl featured a matchup between the SEC and Big Ten exclusively.
With a history of upsets, the Music City Bowl has seen ranked teams beaten four times in 2001, 2002, 2014, and 2016. Only one ranked side, Northwestern University Wildcats, has won the Music City Bowl, defeating the University of Kentucky Wildcats in 2017. Five teams have won the bowl the most times: the Kentucky Wildcats, University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, Auburn University Tigers, University of Louisville Cardinals, and Vanderbilt University Commodores.
WWE Events
Tennessee has a long history of hosting events from the World Wrestling Entertainment franchise. The first event, titled ‘No Holds Barred,’ was held in December 1989 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and featured a match in which Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake defeated Randy Savage and Zeus.
Since then, nine other events have been held in the state, including three ‘In Your House’ events in 1995, 1997, and 1999. In 2022, a ‘Big Five’ event, SummerSlam, came to Nissan Stadium when 48,449 watched Roman Reigns defeat Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match.
Events have been held at the McKenzie Arena, Memphis Pyramid, Bridgestone Arena, FedExForum, Nashville Municipal Auditorium, and Nissan Stadium.
UFC Fight Night
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has also held several events in Tennessee. Bridgestone Arena has hosted the most UFC Fight Night events in the state, with the 18th, 73rd, 108th, and 148th events taking place in Nashville.
Notably, in UFC Fight Night 148, Anthony Pettis defeated Stephen Thompson in March 2009 in front of 10,863. In January 2012, the Bridgestone Arena hosted the inaugural UFC on FX event, as Jim Miller defeated Melvin Guillard in front of 7,728 spectators.
In December 2009, Memphis hosted Tennessee’s only numbered UFC event, UFC 107, with a headline bout of B.J. Penn and Diego Sanchez. Penn defeated Sanchez in front of 13,896, a record crowd for a UFC fight in TN.
NASCAR
Tennessee has two racetracks with races in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR playoffs: Bristol Motor Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon.
Nashville Superspeedway hosts the Ally 400 race, a Cup Series race that started in the 2021 regular season. This event was the first Cup event in the Nashville Superspeedway since 1984. The event is scheduled in June, and Kyle Larson won the inaugural race in 2021.
The Bristol Motor Speedway hosts two events in the NASCAR Season. The Food City Dirt Race is an annual 250-lap points race that forms part of the regular season. The first race was held after the speedway opened in 1961 and is usually held in either April or March, midway through the NASCAR regular season. Rusty Wallace has the most wins in the event, winning six times.
The Bristol Motor Speedway also hosts the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, which has also been run since 1961. This race was moved in 2020 from its traditional August date to September, becoming part of the NASCAR playoffs and serving as the round of 16.
Tennessee Land-Based Sportsbooks
Traditionally, Tennessee has had large communities with anti-gambling sentiments, which is why there are no-land based casinos. Most US states have allowed retail sports betting through facilities at brick-and-mortar casinos. TN lawmakers didn’t have this option, so they chose to pass legislation only allowing online sports betting. Therefore, you won’t find any retail sportsbooks in the Volunteer State.
Tennessee Responsible Gambling
Anyone struggling with problem gambling can choose to self-exclude from betting. This prevents players from betting and receiving promotional gambling material. The self-exclusion list is voluntary in Tennessee, but unlike in other states, you can’t reverse a self-exclusion request. All sportsbooks in Tennessee are responsible for keeping lists of self-excluded gamblers and sharing this information with other operators and SWAC through monthly reports.
There are also other responsible gambling resources that players can access at online sportsbooks, including deposit and time limits. Most betting sites will also provide guidance to third-party organizations which support problem gamblers, like the National Center for Responsible Gambling.
FAQs
Yes, sports betting is legal in Tennessee. The state was the first in the US to launch an online-only sports betting market in November 2020. There are now 11 sportsbooks that you can use anywhere in the state if you are over 21.
There are loads of great bonuses you can redeem at Tennessee sportsbooks. Most betting sites will offer a welcome bonus to new customers, with rewards like free bets, deposit matches, and risk-free bets. Some sportsbooks reward existing players through loyalty programs or with regular promotions.
Yes, any sportsbook licensed by SWAC is safe to use in Tennessee. SWAC puts every betting site through strict tests to ensure player safety and financial security, including background checks on betting site owners and testing encryption methods.
Daily Fantasy Sports games are available in Tennessee, and you can use the biggest brands like DraftKings and FanDuel to play these contests. TN became the third US state to legalize DF games in 2016 when Gov. Haslam signed the Fantasy Sports Act.
You can bet on sports anywhere in Tennessee using an online sportsbook. You will need to enable your geolocation services so your betting app can prove you are within state lines. Retail sports betting is not legal in TN, so an online betting site is your only option.
Yes, DraftKings is legal in Tennessee. The sportsbooks launched on the first day of sports betting in the state, November 1, 2020, as one of four providers. If you are over 21 and within state lines, you can use DraftKings Sportsbook for betting.
You can bet using BetMGM in Tennessee. The sportsbook launched on November 1, 2020, and is licensed with the SWAC. BetMGM is an official betting partner of the Tennessee Titans, and you can win real-life rewards like tickets and stadium tours through BetMGM Rewards.
Yes, you can use Caesars Sportsbook in Tennessee. The operator is partnered with local hero Peyton Manning and the Memphis Grizzlies and provides exclusive promotions and odds through these deals. The sportsbook first launched in TN in March 2021.