Tennessee Sports Betting: Rules and Regulations
Tennessee finally launched its much anticipated legal sports betting industry near the end of 2020, on November 1st after the state authorized legal sports betting in May of 2019. The launch made it one of the first 20 states to have legal online sports betting in the country.
The wait proved to be necessary, as Tennessee has rolled out an incredibly bettor-friendly atmosphere (however not necessarily sportsbook friendly) with plenty of rules helping to shape an open sports betting industry.
The state has no set limit to the number of operators who can offer sports betting, as long as they pay the $750,000 license fee
Tennessee sportsbooks need to maintain an annual ten percent hold
Sports wagering in the state is online only, paving the way for sports betting sites and mobile betting apps
Tennessee sports betting tax is set at 20%
Legal gambling and sports betting age in the state is 21 years
Perhaps the most unique thing about sports betting in Tennessee is that the process will take place completely online and through mobile apps. This means that no physical locations including casinos, stadiums, racetracks or any other brick and mortars will be taking sports bets.
The ten percent hold required by the state could also cause some online sportsbooks to hesitate at the thought of launching in Tennessee.
While these could potentially be drawbacks, the selection of sports betting apps in Tennessee is currently of very high quality, so players will be able to enjoy plenty of options for great online sports betting.
Best Sports Betting Apps in Tennessee
When the initial launch was announced on November 1st, 2020, there were four online operators ready to go on launch day. Though we will likely see more open up in the state, the original four already provided a high-quality competitive industry for Tennessee sports betting.
However, one other name stands out with its dedication to online sports betting and success throughout the country due to an incredible selection of sports and a remarkable mobile betting app.
BetMGM Sportsbook
The online sportsbook and mobile betting app BetMGM are the products of world famous and Fortune-500 company MGM Entertainment. The sportsbook has the most experience by far out of the four, operating as PlayMGM in Las Vegas, Nevada for years.
The mobile betting app is designed excellently well, with plenty of betting features included. Live betting on the app includes live streaming, and there is a very large selection of sports and bet types for players to choose from.
Other great features of BetMGM include quick deposits and withdrawals, odds boosts, cashout and action betting features and an extensive promotions and rewards program for players.
Tennessee Sports Betting Registration
Since sports betting in Tennessee takes place completely online, this actually shuts the door on certain rules and regulations that could make the registration process more painful like in-person signups. The way the current rules are set up, Tennesseeans will have a fairly straightforward and convenient registration process at each online sportsbook.
Compare and contrast the different sportsbook reviews to find the one that fits your style the best
Download the sportsbook’s mobile app and find the ‘Join Now’ or ‘Register’ button
Complete the sportsbook’s registration accurately (the process takes about five minutes)
Once approved, deposit into the account and begin making bets
Tennessee certainly got this rule correct, as a signup process which allows for full online completion including deposits and withdrawals is certainly preferred. This extends the ability to register to all players in the state, without having to find a physical location near them.
Players outside of Tennessee can also download the TN sportsbook apps and make bets. The only regulation here is that the players must be physically located in the state when wagering. This is especially important as nearly none of the bordering states currently offer online sports betting.
Sports teams and bet types in Tennessee
The rules in Tennessee include and allow for bets to be made on instate colleges and professional sports teams. This means that players can bet on their favorite teams and likely also enjoy promotions geared towards them on certain sports betting apps.
Tennessee does not have the highest number of professional teams or colleges in the country, but it does have notable teams which will potentially be very popular for wagering.
Tennessee Titans (NFL)
Nashville Predators (NHL)
Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
Tennessee Volunteers (D-1)
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (D-1)
Like we have seen in other states, this opens the door for major sportsbook promotions centered around these instate teams. These can include anything from odds boosts to risk-free bets.
Tennessee FAQs
How does Tennessee Sports Betting work?
Sports betting in Tennessee runs completely online. This means that players will need to register, wager and make payment transactions completely on websites or mobile betting apps.
To make a bet, download and register with an online sports betting app. Once you have signed in and deposited you can select betting odds and place a stake on the event. If the event you have chosen is correct, then the sportsbook will payout your stake multiplied by the odds at the time of betting.
Anyone located in the state who is at least 21 years of age may make bets, including players who live outside of Tennessee but are just visiting. As long as you are 21 and physically located in the state then legal sports betting is available.
There is no cap to the number of online sportsbooks that can open in Tennessee, which means that theoretically players could see more than 20 mobile betting apps available. Though the current rules on sports betting may limit this number.
Which sports can I bet on in Tennessee?
When we say the sports betting atmosphere in Tennessee is bettor-friendly, these are the types of things that we mean. The types of sports and competitions available for betting in ‘The Volunteer State’ is wide open.
There are no restrictions on betting on instate teams or colleges, nor restrictions on the bet types that can be made here.
However, Tennesseeans are also fortunate in the types of competitions that can be bet on here while not available in many other states. These include events like Olympics betting, horse racing, All-star games and eSports betting.
The availability of eSports betting makes Tennessee one of the only states in which it is currently legal. The bets must be approved by the eSports leagues and teams, however this is still a major step up from other states where betting on the popular competitions is not allowed.
Are there any exclusions?
Betting in person at physical locations is strictly prohibited in the state, making Tennessee the first state to launch sports betting fully online. Betting on amateur competitions like high school and minor league games will also not be allowed.
Tennessee Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
Month 2020 | Total Handle | Revenue | Taxes/ State Revenue |
What Other States have Legal Sports Betting?
You can find updated profiles of all US states with legal sports betting along with rule updates, online sportsbooks and more here. This page will give you an updated outlook on the United States sports betting industry. Clicking on any legal state will bring you to that state’s home page.
