A complete guide to legal Tennessee gambling
Tennessee gambling has taken off since online sports betting was legalized on November 1st, 2020. Besides sports, it’s still tightly controlled; however, social gambling is quickly becoming popular.
In this guide, we will clarify the gambling laws of the Volunteer State on different games and sports to give you an informed insight when playing online.
We have done the hard work on everything you need to know about Tennessee gambling laws and even provided you with a list of the best legal places to play at. So, let’s get started and dive in.
Best gambling sites TN — a quick look at the best
Here at Time2play, our experts have put together a rigorous rating system, which only recommends safe operators. To assist further, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of all the positives and negatives that put you, the player, in total control.
We have handpicked the best sportsbooks and social casinos. Expect to be welcomed with a welcome bonus and great selections of sports markets and casino games.
| Sportsbook logo | Odds rating | Bonus | Go to sportsbook Button | Show more | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
90/100 Expert rating by Ian Z. 94% Playscore based on |
Bet $1, Double your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
|
Play now |
Good to know
9 payment methods 
|
|
2
|
85/100 Expert rating by Anna M. 91% Playscore based on |
Up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets
|
Play now |
Good to know
14 payment methods
|
|
3
|
84/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 91% Playscore based on |
Up to 200,000 Gold Coins + 9 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
4
|
80/100 Expert rating by Anna M. 87% Playscore based on |
100% match up to $500
|
Play now |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
|
5
|
80/100 Expert rating by Ramona D. 83% Playscore based on |
100% up to $100 FC
|
Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
6
|
80/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 83% Playscore based on |
100% up to $100 BC
|
Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
7
|
80/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
250 Virtual Credits
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
8
|
71/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 81% Playscore based on |
Spend $10 get $30 of Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
Gambling in Tennessee — what’s legal?
Tennessee gambling laws are restrictive, but we are here to break them down for you to play safely and legally. The Tennessee online gambling industry only started in 2020 and still has to mature.
Firstly, Tennessee online casinos aren’t legal (land-based casinos aren’t legal either). Residents must cross state lines if they wish to play their favorite games like online baccarat, online roulette, or online blackjack. On the other hand, Tennessee gambling is legal in the form of online sports betting and social casinos. Both are regulated by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC). Furthermore, fantasy sports have been legal since 2016 and are regulated by the Tennessee Department of State.
It is important to know that the Tennessee gambling age is 21, but for the lottery and bingo, it’s only 18. We have taken a deep dive into each game and other vital verticals.
| Gambling vertical | Offline legal age | Online legal age | Online since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casinos | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Social casinos | N/A | 21 | 2019 |
| Sportsbooks | N/A | 21 | 2020 |
| Social betting apps | N/A | 21 | 2020 |
| Poker | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lottery | 18 | N/A | 2004 |
| Bingo | N/A | 18 | 2019 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | N/A | 21 | 2016 |
Online sports betting — legal since 2020
The Volunteer State was the first to legalize online sports betting in the US. The online gambling law was passed in 2019, allowing sports bettors to bet legally online for the first time on November 1st, 2020. Currently, there are 12 licensed operators, all of which can be found on SWAC’s website. 11 operators hold a license for daily fantasy sports, which the Tennessee Department of State regulates.
There are some well-known places to bet for Tennessee players, which are included in our list of the best sports betting sites Tennessee. They all offer a wide variety of sports markets, have generous offers, and are fair and secure at protecting your sensitive data.
- Access to top online sportsbooks
- Bet on the top sports
- Claim a generous welcome bonus
- Real money casinos still prohibited
Social casinos — the alternative to casino Tennessee online gambling
If you love casino games in Tennessee, your only option is sweepstakes casinos. These types are mainly tolerated because of the absence of gambling elements with real money and are community-based.
When playing at a social casino you purchase virtual coins to play, and from there, you have the chance to win big cash prizes. Upon sign-up, you will be rewarded with a generous welcome bonus, and you can play and hang out with your friends, hence the name.
The amount of games available to play is just like any other casino. So whether you love slots or enjoy throwing the dice at craps, there is something for everyone.
You can exchange sweepstake credits for cash if you win, with some awesome jackpots to look out for. Some popular social casinos for Tennessee players with an overall great experience include; LuckyLand slots, Pulsz casino, and Chumba casino.
- Most popular slots available
- Daily contests
- Unable to play for real money
| Casino Logo | Odds rating | Bonus | Go to casino Button | Show more | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
94/100 Expert rating by Anna M. 92% Playscore based on |
1.5 million WOW Coins + 35 free Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
2
|
91/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 82% Playscore based on |
200,000 Gold Coins + 3 Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
15 payment methods
|
|
3
|
89/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 83% Playscore based on |
500 Gold Coins + 3 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
4
|
89/100 Expert rating by Claire S. 92% Playscore based on |
Up to 650,000 Gold Coins and 1,400 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
5
|
89/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 79% Playscore based on |
1,000,000 Gold Coins + 2.5 Spree Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
6
|
89/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 87% Playscore based on |
Up to 120,000 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
3 payment methods
|
|
7
|
88/100 Expert rating by Claire S. 96% Playscore based on |
250,000 Gold Coins and $25 Stake Cash
|
Play now |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
8
|
88/100 Expert rating by Charlie S. 90% Playscore based on |
57,000 Gold Coins + 27.5 free Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
9
|
88/100 Expert rating by Claire S. 87% Playscore based on |
2,000,000 Gold Coins and 2 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
9 payment methods
|
|
10
|
87/100 Expert rating by Claire S. 84% Playscore based on |
Up to 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 free Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
11
|
87/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 84% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 2 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
12
|
87/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
150,000 Gold Coins for $10 + 30 FREE Sweeps Coins — over 65% off
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
13
|
87/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
7,000 Gold Coins and 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
9 payment methods
|
|
14
|
87/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 80% Playscore based on |
7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
15
|
87/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 91% Playscore based on |
100,000 Crown Coins + 2 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
|
|
16
|
86/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 90% Playscore based on |
Up to 200,000 Gold Coins + 9 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
17
|
85/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 89% Playscore based on |
30,000 Lucky Coins + 4 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
18
|
85/100 Expert rating by Claire S. 85% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 200 free spins
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
19
|
84/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
2,000,000 Gold Coins + 250 free Sweeps Tokens
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
20
|
84/100 Expert rating by Charlie S. 87% Playscore based on |
Up to 1,000 Gems + 50% extra Gems on first purchase
|
Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
21
|
83/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
15,000 Gold Coins + 2.5 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
22
|
83/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
50,000 Gold Coins + 5 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
23
|
82/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
Up to 5000 Gold Coins + 0.6 Sweepstake Cash and 3 Treasure Chests
|
Play now |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
24
|
82/100 Expert rating by Charlie S. 87% Playscore based on |
250,000 Tao Coins + up to 3,000 FREE Secret Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
25
|
82/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 78% Playscore based on |
7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
26
|
80/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 89% Playscore based on |
250 Game Coins + 5 Sweeps Coins and 600 Diamonds
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
|
27
|
80/100 Expert rating by Claire S. 86% Playscore based on |
Daily Free Spins and Credit Bonus
|
Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
28
|
80/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
125,000 Fun Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
29
|
80/100 Expert rating by Vule P. 77% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 1 FREE Sweepstakes Coin
|
Play now |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
30
|
78/100 Expert rating by Charlie S. 86% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 50% Super Coins Match Bonus
|
Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
31
|
77/100 Expert rating by Claire S. 79% Playscore based on |
Up to 125,000 Tournament Coins and 300 Promotional Entries
|
Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
32
|
75/100 Expert rating by Paul P. 77% Playscore based on |
250,000 Gold Coins
|
Play now |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
Online poker — playable through sweepstakes casinos
Tennessee is the home of famous poker players such as Chris Moneymaker and Stanley Weiss. But can you play poker legally in the Volunteer State? Unfortunately, no, but you can play poker variations at social casinos – there are plenty of big names like Zynga and Big Fish. With many social casinos offering online poker, Fortune Coins is the one that impressed us the most, having a variety from Texas hold ‘em to Omaha.
Will Tennessee lawmakers change their legislation anytime soon? Don’t hold your breath. We will just have to wait and see.
- Many social casinos to play poker
- Plenty of poker variations to play
- Real money poker is not legal
Other forms of gambling in Tennessee
The Volunteer State is definitely one of the strictest states when it comes to gambling. We have already covered the main verticals, but what other games can you play? The lottery is the most popular and widespread, having been legal since 2002. Tennesseans have always enjoyed a flutter and can do so legally with sports betting. This even includes daily fantasy sports, which have been legal since 2016, with some top names like FanDuel and DraftKings offering their services.
Horse racing has a long tradition in the US, but you will not find a race track in Tennessee. Nonetheless, you can wager on parimutuel races through licensed operators like DRF Bets.
Also, those trying their luck at the lottery can, but only in person at physical stores and with cash. It has been legal since 2002, with the first ticket sold in 2004.
Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports have been popular since being legalized in 2016. Tennessee gambling age must be at least 21 years old and can play various fantasy sports, including football, basketball, baseball, golf, and ice hockey. FanDuel organizes regular tournaments with big cash prizes for sports fans to take advantage of.
Bingo
Unfortunately, there is nowhere to yell bingo as you will not find any parlors in Tennessee, not even online. The only way you can play is in the form of charitable gambling at social casinos, where you buy virtual coins to compete for cash prizes.
Horse racing
You will not find any race tracks, but Tennessee residents can still place parimutuel bets at licensed online sportsbooks. The 1987 Racing Control Act established a Tennessee State Racing Commission, but still, to this day, no race tracks have been built.
Lottery
In 2004, the first lottery ticket was sold, and the Tennessee Education Lottery regulates it. If you want to play, you must do it offline at licensed operators and in cash only. There are many varieties of gambling in Tennessee, ranging from Powerball to Cash4Life.Land-based gambling in Tennessee and near Tennessee
Is offline gambling legal in Tennessee? No, you will have to cross state lines when it comes to land-based locations such as casinos and race tracks.
If you find yourself asking the question, where are gambling casinos near Chattanooga? Or are there gambling casinos in Nashville, TN? Our experts have compiled a table giving you information on the closest and best casinos nearby. Fortunately, Tennesseans in Memphis and Gatlinburg do not have to travel far to get the live thrill of table games and slots.
Additionally, some of these locations are operated by some of the biggest names in gambling, including Caesars. We have made a convenient table to show the closest casinos to the main Tennessee cities. Let’s have a look.
| Gambling near | Best nearby casino | Location, distance from | Closest nearby casino | Location, distance from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gambling casinos near Memphis Tennessee | 1st Jackpot Casino, Tunica | Memphis; 30 miles | Southland Casino and Racing | Memphis; 7 miles |
| Casinos near Knoxville Tennessee | Harrah’s Casino Cherokee Resort | Knoxville; 70 miles | Harrah’s Casino Cherokee Resort | Knoxville; 70 miles |
| Gambling casinos near Chattanooga Tennessee | Victory Land Casino | Chattanooga; 256 miles | Harrah’s Casino Cherokee Resort | Chattanooga; 95 miles |
| Casino gambling near Gatlinburg TN | Harrah’s Casino Cherokee Resort | Gatlinburg; 35 miles | Harrah’s Casino Cherokee Resort | Gatlinburg; 35 miles |
| Casinos near Pigeon Forge Tennessee | Harrah’s Casino Cherokee Resort | Pigeon Forge; 43 miles | Harrah’s Casino Cherokee Resort | Pigeon Forge; 43 miles |
| Casinos near Clarksville Tennessee | Century Casino, Cathurthsville | Clarksville; 160 miles | Oak Grove Racing Gaming & Hotel | Clarksville; 10 miles |
| Casinos near Cleveland Tennessee | Harrah’s Casino Cherokee Resort | Cleveland; 63 miles | Harrah’s Casino Cherokee Resort | Cleveland; 63 miles |
| Casinos near Murfreesboro Tennessee | The Mint Gaming Hall, Kentucky | Murfreesboro; 61 miles | The Mint Gaming Hall, Kentucky | Murfreesboro; 61 miles |
| Gambling casinos near Nashville Tennessee | The Mint Gaming Hall, Kentucky | Nashville; 40 miles | The Mint Gaming Hall, Kentucky | Nashville; 40 miles |
How to choose TN gambling sites
We rate online casinos at Time2play according to a multitude of different factors. Our experts’ strategy is data-driven to provide recommendations for the best and safest online casinos. Also, different players have different needs when selecting a site for online gambling in TN. Players like to make their own judgments, so we have broken down the 6 key factors when making a choice.
State license
Only operators with a state-sanctioned license from the SWAC will be allowed to feature on our recommended list. SWAC ensures that all TN operators are transparent and fair. If you are playing at an online sports betting site with a Tennessee license, you know it adheres to the Tennessee gambling laws and regulations. Our experts also only recommend sportsbooks that work closely with Tennessee Redline Gambling, to keep players safe from problem gambling.
Products
For Tennessee gambling, the main product available is sports betting, as it was legalized in 2020. Our experts always check for the best online sportsbooks that offer the most markets and competitive odds and promotions. Another major factor is access to live sports data and statistics like you can find at BetMGM. Currently, there are online social casinos to play at if you like casino games. They should offer plenty of games to choose from with regular tournaments.
Live gambling
One of the most important highlights in our vertical is live casinos. Unfortunately, in the Volunteer State they are illegal, both online and offline. If they are available in the future, Time2play will be the first to let you know.
Gambling apps
What are the ingredients of a great gambling app? It must be available on iOS and Android platforms, be easy to use, and not have any lags/bugs. Does the operator offer all games on the mobile version? And if so, is it responsive? These are questions that we look into to save you the hassle. We like the FanDuel sportsbook app, as it works smoothly, offers everything available on its website, and gives players great bonuses.
Payments
Deposit and withdrawal options are vital when betting online. In more established states like New Jersey, or New York, many online operators will offer 5+ options, whereas the number is much lower in Tennessee. Also, transaction times are crucial. A good rule of thumb is that deposits should be instant, and withdrawals should take a maximum of 5 working days. Deposit and withdrawal amounts are important, too, with most of our suggested operators allowing deposits from as little as $10.
Platform
The platform offered to players can be a key factor in deciding to play or not. For social casinos like Gambino Slots casino, you can play on Facebook and start playing sweepstake games like slots and poker right away. A comprehensive and easy-to-use platform is paramount to our experts, so we rigorously test for simplicity and whether there are many games available to play.
Gambling regulators in Tennessee
Tennessee gambling laws are some of the strictest in the country, with the state favoring sports betting compared to casino games. The main regulator is the SWAC which vets all operators and enforces all the rules. You can verify on the SWAC website if the Tennessee gaming site you are playing on is legit or not.
The lottery is regulated by the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation, which ensures that all lotteries follow strict fairness practices and that players must be over 18. The lottery is also exclusively offline, and the ticket is bought with cash. Also, a proportion of the revenue goes to charitable causes, which benefit the local community.
As daily fantasy sports are legal in Tennessee, it falls under the Department of State called Division of Charitable Solicitations, Fantasy Sports, and Gaming. The law requires operators to pass rigorous testing regarding financials and transparency.
Tennessee gambling laws: a brief history
The possibility of horse racing being introduced
The Racing Control Act of 1987 authorizes the possibility of race tracks being constructed. None are ever built.
Start of state-sanctioned lottery
In a referendum, the state lottery is approved in 2002, with the first ticket sold in 2004.
1987 Racing Control Act repealed.
With no horse tracks built, legislators repeal the act, and instead licensed internet platforms offer parimutuel wagering.
Daily fantasy sports is legalized
Governor Bill Haslam signs a law approving daily fantasy sports. Tennessee becomes the third state to make the move.
Online sports betting approved
Tennessee gambling kicks off online with sports betting. It is the first state to allow it, without Governor Bill Lee’s signature.
Sports betting sites go live.
On November 1st, 2020, the first regulated online sports betting sites go live. It allows Tennesseans to bet on all the major sports from the MLB to the NHL.
Latest updates
As the gambling industry is relatively new in Tennessee, gambling laws are constantly evolving to keep up with the demand. Below are some key stats for Tennessee gambling online
- February 2022 — Mobile operators take over $313m in bets, up 77% from the previous year.
- April 2022 — The Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council suspends all bets on Russian and Belarussian leagues
- April 2022 — The sports betting regulator updates guidelines for betting on the 2022 NFL draft, with live betting only available on the first 3 rounds.
FAQs
Which Tennessee gambling sites are the best?
We have provided the best Tennessee gambling sites for you according to our experts. There are different factors such as a great bonus, plenty of markets to choose from, and a responsible app that makes a great bookmaker. Caesars and Fortune Coins are at the top of our list.
Is online gambling legal in Tennessee?
Gambling in Tennessee is legal but strictly controlled. All casino games and poker are illegal, but the lottery, sports betting, and fantasy sports are permitted. If players wish to play casino games or bingo, they can do so at social casinos.
What happens if you get caught gambling in Tennessee?
It depends what you are betting on, but the Tennessee gambling age is 21 on daily fantasy sports and online sports betting. All forms of casino gambling are illegal, but you can partake in social casinos found in our guide. If you are caught illegally gambling, you may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine ranging from $1 to $50.
Are gambling machines legal in Tennessee?
There are no land-based casinos or retail sports bookmakers in Tennessee, so gambling machines are not available. If you manage to find one, it’s illegal, and if caught playing, you will be fined.
When did Tennessee legalize gambling?
Tennessee legalized the lottery in 2002, with daily fantasy sports betting getting the green light in 2016. All online sports betting became legal on November 1st, 2020, which was seen as a major move as Tennessee gambling laws were liberalized.
