Online gambling in Tennessee is limited to legal sports betting and daily fantasy, there’s no online casino, poker or horse-race wagering. This guide covers what’s legal, who’s licensed, and how to start.
Tennessee is unlike any other US betting market in two ways: it has no casinos and no retail sportsbooks at all, so it was the first online-only state, and it is the only state that taxes betting handle rather than revenue. Launched in November 2020, the market is a busy one, with more than $500 million wagered in peak months. This Tennessee guide covers what’s legal and how to start.
In this article 16 sections
- Is online gambling legal in Tennessee?
- What you can play in Tennessee
- Online gambling in Tennessee by the numbers
- Online-only, and a one-of-a-kind tax
- The best Tennessee sportsbooks
- Popular bets and Tennessee sports
- Choosing a Tennessee sportsbook
- Bet types explained
- Tennessee’s market by the numbers
- How to start betting in Tennessee
- Will Tennessee legalize online casino?
- Is online gambling safe in Tennessee?
- Responsible gambling in Tennessee
- Tennessee sports betting FAQ
- Legal options in Tennessee
- Online Casinos in Tennessee
Is online gambling legal in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee legalized online sports betting in 2019 and launched on 1 November 2020. Because the state has no casinos, there are no retail sportsbooks, everything is mobile. The market is overseen by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC). You must be 21 or older and physically located in Tennessee to bet, confirmed by geolocation. Real-money online casino is not legal (and, with no casinos, isn’t on the near-term agenda).
What you can play in Tennessee
- sports betting in Tennessee: mobile betting on every major sport and league.
- Daily fantasy sports: legal in Tennessee through DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, Underdog and Sleeper.
- horse racing in Tennessee: pari-mutuel wagering for Tennessee bettors via licensed ADW apps.
- Online casino: not yet legal in Tennessee, see the outlook below.
Online gambling in Tennessee by the numbers
| Metric | Latest figure |
|---|---|
| Launched | 1 November 2020 (online-only) |
| Tax rate | 1.85% of handle (unique, taxes wagers, not revenue) |
| 2025 handle | More than $500 million wagered in peak months |
| Operators | Around 11 mobile sportsbooks |
| Online casino | Not legal |
| Minimum age | 21+ |
Online-only, and a one-of-a-kind tax
Tennessee’s tax is genuinely unique. It started at 20% of revenue, but in July 2023 the state switched to a flat 1.85% of handle, taxing every dollar wagered rather than operator winnings, the only state to do so. For the state it means steadier, more predictable receipts; for operators the burden is broadly similar. Tennessee also requires licensed books to meet a minimum hold, a rule that has drawn debate. College betting, including on in-state teams, is permitted.
The best Tennessee sportsbooks
We only feature operators we work with and can verify, and all four of our sportsbook partners operate in Tennessee: FanDuel (best app and same-game parlays), bet365 (strong live betting and a win-or-lose welcome offer), Hard Rock Bet and BetRivers (iRush Rewards). Because everything is mobile, the app experience matters even more here, the offers on this page show what’s live now.
See terms and codes on our promo codes page or the full Tennessee sportsbook guide.
Popular bets and Tennessee sports
Tennessee bettors play the standard markets, moneylines, point spreads, totals and parlays/same-game parlays. Local action runs across the NFL’s Titans, the NBA’s Grizzlies and the NHL’s Predators, but college football is king: the Tennessee Volunteers drive huge autumn handle, and since the state allows in-state college betting, the Vols are fair game. The NFL and college football lead overall.
Choosing a Tennessee sportsbook
Because Tennessee is mobile-only, the app itself is the entire experience, so prioritise the books with the smoothest interfaces and fastest withdrawals. Compare the welcome offer (safety-net first bet versus bonus bets), the depth of Volunteers and Titans markets, live betting and same-game parlays, and ongoing odds boosts. With around eleven apps competing and no retail fallback, it pays to keep two or three accounts and take the best available price on the games you follow.
Bet types explained
The betting menu in Tennessee comes down to essentials. Start with the Tennessee moneyline, a clean pick of who wins, the Titans to take it. Add the point spread, which handicaps the favorite, and the total, a bet on combined scoring rather than the Tennessee winner. For bigger swings, Tennessee bettors use parlays (several legs, all must win), same-game parlays from a single the Titans matchup, futures on the season, and live in-play markets that track the Titans in real time.
Tennessee’s market by the numbers
Tennessee’s online-only market is busier than its lack of casinos might suggest. Bettors regularly push monthly handle past $500 million, and the American Gaming Association estimated the state’s sportsbooks took in around $356 million in revenue across the first seven months of 2025 alone. Under the 1.85%-of-handle tax, the state collected more than $100 million in a single fiscal year and over $210 million since the changeover in July 2023, steadier money than a revenue tax would deliver, because it doesn’t swing with how often bettors win.
The handle tax has trade-offs the state is still debating. Because operators pay on every dollar wagered regardless of whether they win it, Tennessee also imposes a minimum-hold requirement on its books, a rule unique enough that it has drawn industry pushback. For bettors, the upshot is a fully mobile market with around eleven competing apps and no in-person option at all. With college football, above all the Tennessee Volunteers, driving the calendar, autumn weekends are the heartbeat of betting in the Volunteer State.
How to start betting in Tennessee
Signing up in Tennessee is quick, be 21+ and inside Tennessee, pick a licensed Tennessee sportsbook, and create an account with accurate information for verification. After opting into the Tennessee promo and depositing, set your limits, place your first Tennessee bet, and cash out whenever the offer’s Tennessee conditions are satisfied.
Will Tennessee legalize online casino?
Not yet. Real-money online casino is not legal in Tennessee, and while sports betting’s success keeps iGaming in the conversation, no bill has passed. For now, sports betting, DFS and horse racing are Tennessee’s only legal online options, stick to licensed operators rather than unregulated offshore sites. We’ll keep this Tennessee page updated if that changes.
For the full picture, see our Tennessee online casino guide, which tracks whether and when real-money iGaming might reach Tennessee.
Is online gambling safe in Tennessee?
Yes, provided you use operators licensed by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, every book we list here is. Because the market is fully online, licensing matters even more: regulated apps are audited for fair pricing and payouts, secure your deposits and verify your identity, age and location before each bet. Unregulated offshore sites offer none of those safeguards, so always confirm a sportsbook is SWC-licensed before depositing.
Responsible gambling in Tennessee
The healthiest approach to Tennessee betting is a fixed budget and the mindset that it is fun, never income or a way to win back Tennessee losses. Licensed Tennessee books build in deposit and time limits, cool-offs and self-exclusion, so lean on them early. If gambling ever feels like a problem in Tennessee, support is one free, confidential contact away at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Tennessee sports betting FAQ
1. Is online sports betting legal in Tennessee?
Yes. Online sports betting launched on 1 November 2020, regulated by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council. Tennessee is online-only (no retail sportsbooks). You must be 21+ and physically in Tennessee to bet.
2. Is online casino legal in Tennessee?
No. Real-money online casino games are not legal in Tennessee, and with no casinos in the state it isn’t on the near-term agenda. In Tennessee, only sports betting, DFS and horse racing are legal in Tennessee online.
3. Why is Tennessee’s sports betting tax different?
Tennessee is the only state that taxes betting handle (1.85% of every dollar wagered) rather than operator revenue, a switch it made in July 2023 for steadier, more predictable receipts.
4. Are there any retail sportsbooks in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee has no casinos, so it was the first fully online-only sports betting state. Every legal bet is placed through a mobile app.
5. Which sportsbook is best in Tennessee?
All four of our partners, FanDuel, bet365, Hard Rock Bet and BetRivers, operate in Tennessee, alongside DraftKings, BetMGM and Caesars. Since it’s mobile-only, the app experience matters most.
6. Are prediction markets like Kalshi legal in Tennessee?
Prediction markets like Kalshi reach Tennessee because the CFTC regulates them federally as event-contract exchanges rather than Tennessee-licensed sportsbooks. Their sports contracts behave enough like bets that Tennessee’s legal picture stays contested, and 2026 saw a federal appeals court side with Kalshi over state regulators while the fight continues. For Tennessee bettors the safe read is a separate, federally overseen category.
7. Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Tennessee?
Sweepstakes casinos like Chumba, LuckyLand and Stake.us reach Tennessee adults through a virtual-currency model designed to sit outside Tennessee gambling licensing. That leaves Tennessee players in a grey area with weaker safeguards than a regulated site, one regulators keep testing, so use them cautiously in Tennessee.
8. Is daily fantasy sports (DFS) legal in Tennessee?
Yes, daily fantasy sports operate in Tennessee as a contest-based activity separate from Tennessee sportsbook wagering. DraftKings and FanDuel lead the Tennessee field, joined by pick’em apps PrizePicks, Underdog and Sleeper.
9. Can I bet on horse racing online in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee bettors can wager on horse racing via regulated ADW platforms like TVG (FanDuel Racing), TwinSpires and AmWager, a separate product from Tennessee sports betting.
10. Where can I get help for a gambling problem in Tennessee?
Help in Tennessee is free, confidential and available 24/7, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or use the deposit limits, cool-off periods and self-exclusion tools in every licensed Tennessee app. Nobody in Tennessee has to be in crisis to reach out.
21+. Must be physically located in Tennessee. Gambling problem in Tennessee? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Legal options in Tennessee
- Tennessee sports betting
- Tennessee horse betting
Online Casinos in Tennessee
There are no laws in place that permit the operation of Tennessee online casino sites. No casino operator can run an internet casino for residents of this state, and there is no sign of whether the legislation needed for casino games in Tennessee will be approved at some point in the future. Although the prospect of an online casino in Tennessee is uncertain, we can get a feel for what might happen by looking at the brands that have been licensed in other American states, and see what they currently offer their players.
Online Casino Sites in Tennessee
If Tennessee online casino regulations are introduced, this will mean that a fixed number of licenses are handed out. This is likely to mean that the biggest gambling brands that are already established in the country will be able to legally operate here. Any new online casino in Tennessee that receives this approval will need to show that they can give the state’s residents a professional and highly trustworthy place to place some games. Based on the most recent regulatory developments and the betting market in the nearby states (VA, WV etc.) several large players are expected to line up with FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Casino and DraftKings being the obvious bets as the first movers.
Tennessee Online Casino Sites/Apps Expected in 2025:
- FanFuel Casino
- BetMGM Casino
- bet365 TN
- BetRivers Casino
- Caesars Casino
- DraftKings Casino
Tennessee Sweepstakes Online Casinos 2025
For residents of Tennessee who enjoy slots, table games, or live dealer experiences, social casinos provide a legal and exciting way to play from home. These platforms offer the same games as traditional online casinos but without the ability to win real money in standard mode. However, upgrading to sweeps coins gives players the chance to exchange winnings for prizes like gift cards, merchandise, and even cash. Here’s a list of the top sweepstakes casinos available in Tennessee:
- Stake.us Casino
- High 5 Casino
- Gambino Slots
- Pulz Casino
- WOW Vegas Casino
- NoLimit Coins Casino
- FunRize Casino
- RealPrize.com Casino
- Pulsz Casino
- New Legendz Casino
- LuckyLand Slots
- Fortune Coins Casino
- Funzpoints Casino
- McLuck Casino
: Stake.us Casino features nearly 800 slots, daily slot races, and a generous welcome bonus. Players can enjoy games with gold coins for fun or use Stake cash to win prizes like gift cards and merchandise. Stake cash can also be exchanged for cryptocurrency, adding a unique element to this platform.
High 5 Casino: Owned by High 5 Gaming, this social casino offers over 1,200 games, including exclusive slots and a live dealer area. Daily free giveaways of gold coins and sweeps coins ensure players keep coming back. High 5 Casino is well-known for its innovative games developed in-house.
Gambino Slots: Operating since 2015, Gambino Slots provides 135 slot games and daily free G-coins through login bonuses, gifts, and free spins. While it doesn’t offer a sweeps option for prizes, its robust loyalty program and fun gameplay make it a popular choice among Tennessee players.
Online Casino Games
The arrival of Tennessee online casinos would give people here the chance to play some of the best slots games around. Among the titles that have proved to be successful so far in the US are Red Hot Tamales, Rainbow Riches, and Spartacus. There is still room for casino games in the Volunteer State, with blackjack and roulette among the top picks. A live dealer category allows players to enjoy an even more authentic experience.
Best Online Casino Apps in Tennessee
There is no doubt that a lot of people will prefer to enter a Tennessee online casino through their mobile devices, rather than waiting to get home to start playing some games. Thankfully, this industry has already introduced mobile apps, which many operators make available on their sites. These apps are downloaded for free and then give the owner of the device an easy way to log in and would allow you to play casino games in Tennessee.
Top Land-based Casinos in Tennessee
There are no legal land casinos based in the state right now, so people here who want to play these games for real money often cross over into states where casinos are allowed. There have been some rumors in the past of land being bought to set up tribal casinos in Tennessee, but to date, there has been no confirmation of this going ahead.
Bonuses in Tennessee
A big bonus is one of the methods used by casinos to attract new players, so future Tennessee online casino sites are sure to offer them. These are useful deals because they let you sample what the site has to offer with a minimum amount of your own money. Keep an eye out for an online casino in Tennessee that gives away free spins, as this lets you sample a popular game. You might also get a boost added to your first deposit after joining up, or receive some free funds before you use any of your own cash.
FAQ
When will online casinos become available in Tennessee?
It is impossible to put a timescale on when the first online casino in Tennessee will open and it is something that might never happen anyway.
Is sports betting available in Tennessee?
Yes, online sports betting is now regulated in Tennessee and there are several sites where you can carry this out.
Are social casinos available in Tennessee?
The tough gambling laws in this state mean that there is a degree of debate of what is and isn’t legal in terms of social casino betting.
What is the Legal Gambling Age in Tennessee?
As we have seen, there are few ways of legally gambling in this state. The current laws state 21 is the minimum age for gambling purposes, but if Tennessee online casino sites are ever allowed to operate then a different age limit may be set as part of the legislation.
Tax When Gambling in Tennessee?
With few ways to gamble here, the question of how much tax to play is perhaps less common than in other states. Typically, a 25% flat rate is paid on wins over $50,000. It is worth noting that no state taxes are deducted from lottery wins here.