Tennessee operates a fully online-only sports betting market overseen by the Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC).
Legalized in November 2020, the state became the first in the U.S. to authorize online sports wagering without brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.
Tennessee Betting Hub provides a complete overview of Tennessee sports betting laws, SWAC regulations, and responsible gaming standards.
Retail sportsbooks are not permitted, all wagering occurs through the mobile apps or web-based platforms from all 12 active operators in the state.
How Tennessee Legalized Sports Betting
Tennessee’s sports betting journey began in 2019 with the passage of the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act (TCA § 4-49-101 et seq.), which established a legal framework for sports wagering and made Tennessee the first state to approve an online-only model. The market officially launched in November 2020 under the regulatory oversight of the Tennessee Education Lottery.
On January 1, 2022, oversight responsibilities transitioned to the newly created Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) through Senate Bill 588. This shift established a dedicated state agency focused exclusively on sports wagering regulation and compliance.
Tennessee implemented significant reforms in 2023. In July, the state replaced its revenue-based tax model with a 1.85% tax on total handle through SB 0475, becoming the first U.S. state to adopt this structure. Later that year, the agency simplified its title from “Sports Wagering Advisory Council” to “Sports Wagering Council” to better reflect its regulatory authority.
What Makes Tennessee Different
Tennessee stands apart from other states with its online-only sports betting market. It remains the only major U.S. jurisdiction to offer sports wagering exclusively through mobile and web platforms, with no casinos or retail sportsbooks permitted.
This approach extends to the licensing process, where operators obtain approvals directly from the state without requiring casino partnerships—a departure from the model used in most other jurisdictions.
The state has also implemented unique consumer protections and tax structures. Tennessee is the only state to prohibit credit card deposits for sports betting, a measure designed to promote responsible gaming practices and prevent gambling-related debt.
Additionally, the state’s handle-based taxation model, which taxes 1.85% of total wagers placed, distinguishes it from other states that tax gross gaming revenue.
Tennessee’s Sports Betting Regulator
The Sports Wagering Council (SWAC) enforces SWAC regulations Tennessee bettors and operators must follow to maintain compliance.
SWAC is responsible for licensing operators, enforcing compliance with the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, and ensuring the integrity and fairness of the state’s online sports wagering market.
The Sports Wagering Council is responsible for licensing and renewing operators, enforcing state regulations, and investigating potential violations. When noncompliance occurs, the agency has the authority to issue penalties ranging from fines to license suspension or revocation.
Beyond enforcement, SWAC manages the statewide self-exclusion program and publishes monthly reports detailing handle, revenue, and tax collections. The council also serves as a consumer protection resource.
Rulemaking Process
- Rules codified as SWAC Rule 1350-03
- Public comment required for proposed changes
- Updates made regularly to match market trends
- Latest update: June 30, 2025 — added multi-factor authentication requirement
Licensing Requirements for Operators
Applications are reviewed and approved by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, ensuring fair and transparent licensing. They follow this structure:
- Operator License: Authorizes accepting wagers from Tennessee bettors.
- Vendor Registration: Required for payment processors, odds providers, and platform developers.
- Key Personnel Approval: Background checks for executives and management staff.
The application process for obtaining a SWAC license involves comprehensive vetting across multiple areas. Prospective operators undergo a thorough review of their financial stability and bond compliance, followed by technical assessments of platform security and geolocation accuracy.
SWAC also conducts integrity reviews of ownership structures and management teams to ensure only qualified entities enter the market.
The state maintains an open, competitive market with no cap on the number of licenses, allowing any qualified operator to apply. Additionally, operators are not required to establish casino partnerships or demonstrate casino ownership.
Licensed sportsbooks as of 2025 include: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, Circa Sports, PropSwap, Underdog Fantasy and Betr.
Eligibility to Bet in Tennessee
To place legal sports bets in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 21 years old and physically located within state boundaries when wagering. Account approval requires government-issued ID verification to confirm age and identity.
Notably, Tennessee residency is not required. Visitors from other states may legally bet as long as they are physically present in Tennessee at the time of placing wagers.
Several groups are prohibited from betting under Tennessee law. In addition to anyone under 21 and self-excluded individuals, the state restricts wagering by sports industry participants to protect competitive integrity.
Athletes cannot bet on their own sport, while coaches, referees, and officials are barred from wagering on sports in which they work. Team employees are prohibited from betting on their own organizations, and league insiders with access to non-public information are also restricted from placing wagers.
Platforms & Geographic Requirements
All licensed platforms must adhere to Tennessee online betting rules, including geolocation verification and KYC identity checks.
Tennessee bettors can access licensed sportsbooks through multiple platforms. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android devices, while websites are optimized for both mobile and desktop browsing. Tablet apps and desktop browsers are also fully supported across all licensed operators.
Geolocation technology confirms users are physically within Tennessee for every bet placed. The system uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower data to verify location in real time. Bettors near state borders may occasionally experience false location blocks due to signal overlap. Out-of-state betting is strictly prohibited, even for users with active Tennessee accounts.
Security measures are enforced across all platforms. Operators conduct KYC identity checks and require government-issued ID verification during account creation. All payment processing and data transmission must meet secure encryption standards established by SWAC to protect user information.
What You Can (and Can’t) Bet On
Tennessee bettors can wager on a wide range of professional, college, and international sports. Professional leagues include the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, UFC, along with golf, tennis, and racing.
College sports betting is permitted on NCAA football, basketball, and all divisions, while international options include soccer, cricket, rugby, and darts. Since 2022, approved competitive gaming events (esports) have also been available.
All standard bet types are offered, including spreads, moneylines, totals, props, parlays, futures, and live betting.
College betting is allowed in Tennessee with specific restrictions. Bettors can place spreads, moneylines, totals, and futures on all college teams, including in-state schools like Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Memphis. However, player props on any college athlete are prohibited, and in-game props for college events are not permitted.
Certain markets are completely off-limits under Tennessee law. High school and youth sports cannot be wagered on at any level. The state also prohibits betting on injury outcomes, penalties, or disciplinary actions.
Random or chance-based props—such as coin tosses or Gatorade color predictions—are banned, along with any market that violates Tennessee Constitution Article XI, Section 5. These restrictions are codified under SWAC Rule 1350-03-.09.
Tennessee’s Credit Card Ban
Tennessee is the only U.S. state that bans credit card deposits for sports betting as a unique consumer protection rule aimed at preventing gambling-related debt.
Instead of credit cards like AMEX, VISA and MasterCard, you can use:
- Debit cards
- Bank transfers (ACH / online banking)
- PayPal and approved e-wallets
- Prepaid cards (Play+, gift cards)
- Wire transfers
All licensed operators must enforce this ban and clearly disclose accepted payment methods to users.
Promotion Rules in Tennessee
SWAC Rule 1350-03-.10 establishes strict standards for promotional offers in Tennessee. All promotions must be truthful and not misleading, with wagering terms, odds minimums, and time limits clearly displayed.
Operators cannot label offers as “risk-free” when player funds are at stake. Every promotional message must include “21+” age warnings and the Tennessee REDLINE number (1-800-889-9789). Bonus bets must be clearly distinguished from cash offers to prevent consumer confusion.
Licensed sportsbooks offer various promotional structures to Tennessee bettors. Sign-up bonuses typically include deposit matches and first-bet second chances, while ongoing promotions feature odds boosts, parlay offers, and loyalty rewards.
Many operators also provide local tie-ins with team-specific offers for the Titans, Vols, and Predators to engage Tennessee sports fans.
Tennessee imposes additional restrictions to protect vulnerable bettors. Operators are prohibited from marketing to self-excluded individuals and are discouraged from using urgency tactics such as countdown timers that pressure users into hasty decisions.
All platforms must honor cooling-off periods as part of the state’s responsible gaming framework.
Tax Structure & Revenue Distribution
Tennessee taxes sports betting at a rate of 1.85% of gross handle—the total amount wagered—rather than on operator revenue. This structure took effect on July 1, 2023, replacing the former 20% revenue tax. The handle-based model simplifies tax reporting, eliminates disputes over promotional deductions, and provides more stable and predictable state revenue.
Revenue generated from sports betting taxes supports several key state priorities. Funds are allocated to K–12 education programs, local government support, and mental and behavioral health initiatives. A portion also funds problem gambling treatment services, including the Tennessee REDLINE helpline and the Gambling Clinic.
Operators must submit monthly reports detailing handle and revenue figures, with tax payments due on the same schedule.
SWAC conducts regular audits to verify compliance and accurate reporting. Operators face penalties for late or inaccurate filings, ensuring accountability and consistent revenue collection for the state.
Responsible Gambling Protections
SWAC Rule 1350-03-.11 mandates that all licensed operators provide comprehensive responsible gaming tools. These include deposit, wager, and loss limits that can be set on daily, weekly, or monthly intervals.
Platforms must also offer time limits and session reminders to help users monitor their activity. Bettors can activate cool-off periods ranging from 24 hours to 30 days, or opt for self-exclusion terms of 1, 3, or 5 years for more serious intervention.
Tennessee’s self-exclusion program is administered by SWAC and applies to all licensed operators statewide. Individuals can enroll at tn.gov/swac/forms/self-exclusion.html, which triggers immediate account closure across all platforms and removal from marketing lists.
The minimum exclusion term is one year before reinstatement can be considered, ensuring sufficient time away from gambling activities.
Help Resources:
- Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789 (call or text, 24/7)
- The Gambling Clinic: (901) 678-STOP / (901) 678-7867
- National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
- TAADAS: Statewide addiction services network
All operators must prominently display responsible gaming tools and clearly communicate available resources. Staff training is required to help employees recognize signs of problem gambling and respond appropriately. Marketing to self-excluded individuals is strictly prohibited across all platforms.
Integrity & Security Standards
Tennessee maintains strict integrity monitoring protocols to protect the sports betting market. All licensed operators must report suspicious betting patterns to SWAC and conduct real-time monitoring of wagering activity.
This includes collaboration with sports leagues and law enforcement agencies to identify potential threats. When integrity risks emerge, SWAC has the authority to suspend betting markets until concerns are resolved.
Account security rules are enforced to prevent fraud and ensure fair play. Each bettor is limited to one account per person, per operator, with government-issued ID, age, and address verification required during registration. Payment methods must be registered to the account holder, and account sharing is strictly prohibited under Tennessee law.
Privacy protections safeguard bettor information across all licensed platforms. Operators must maintain secure data storage and use encrypted transmission for all sensitive information.
Data sharing is limited to approved parties only, and operators face mandatory breach notification requirements if user data is compromised. Geolocation data is also protected under SWAC privacy standards to ensure responsible collection and use of location information.
Enforcement & Penalties
All licensed operators must submit comprehensive monthly reports to SWAC. These reports include handle and revenue figures, along with tax payments calculated at 1.85% of total handle.
Operators must also disclose promotional activity and bonus offerings, provide responsible gambling and player protection metrics, and submit integrity reports detailing any suspicious betting activity identified during the reporting period.
SWAC has broad authority to enforce compliance through various disciplinary measures. Rule violations result in fines that scale based on severity, while major breaches can lead to license suspension or outright revocation.
The council may also impose operational restrictions or temporary holds on specific activities. Public censures are used to promote transparency and deter future violations across the industry.
Tennessee has a track record of active enforcement. Notable actions include the 2021 suspension of Action 24/7 over fraud and compliance issues, monetary penalties for promotional rule violations, and geolocation compliance warnings issued to multiple operators.
Operators facing disciplinary action have access to due process protections. A formal hearing process allows contested violations to be reviewed and challenged. SWAC maintains public transparency by reporting enforcement outcomes, ensuring accountability for both the regulator and licensed operators.
Verifying Legal Tennessee Sportsbooks
Bettors can verify legal Tennessee sportsbooks by checking SWAC’s official list of licensed operators at tn.gov/swac/licensees-registrants.html.
Legitimate sportsbooks display several key indicators of compliance. Look for a SWAC license number in the website footer, along with “21+” age warnings and geolocation notices. Licensed sites prominently display the Tennessee REDLINE number (1-800-889-9789), provide clear terms and conditions, and offer easy access to responsible gambling links and tools.
Several warning signs indicate an illegal or unlicensed betting site. Red flags include operators not listed on SWAC’s official registry, sites that accept credit card deposits (which Tennessee prohibits), and platforms with no geolocation verification.
Be cautious of suspicious domains with spelling errors, unrealistic bonus offers that seem too good to be true, and offshore hosting arrangements that place operators beyond Tennessee’s regulatory reach.
Report Illegal Operators: [email protected] | 615-253-7922
Recent Regulatory Changes
June 2025 – Multi-Factor Authentication
- Mandatory MFA for all account logins and transactions
- Effective: June 30, 2025
- Strengthens fraud prevention and account security
2023 – Tax Reform (SB 0475)
- Switched from 20% revenue tax to 1.85% handle tax
- Removed 10% minimum hold requirement
- Eliminated promo deduction disputes
- Dropped official data mandate for live betting
2022 – SWAC Takes Over
- Oversight transferred from Tennessee Education Lottery (TEL)
- Created dedicated regulatory body for sports wagering
- Increased compliance and enforcement capabilities
2022 – Esports Authorized
- Approved wagering on competitive gaming events
Stay Updated during SWAC meetings (tn.gov/swac) and checking the Tennessee General Assembly (wapp.capitol.tn.gov).
Tennessee Betting Resources
SWAC (Sports Wagering Council)
- tn.gov/swac
- [email protected]
- 615-253-7922
- 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., 8th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Responsible Gambling resources
- Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789 (24/7 call or text)
- The Gambling Clinic: (901) 678-STOP / (901) 678-7867)
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): 1-800-522-4700
- Self-Exclusion Enrollment: tn.gov/swac/forms/self-exclusion.html
For more information on how we operate, check our privacy policy, affiliate disclosure and editorial principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did sports betting become legal in Tennessee?
Sports betting became legal under the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act (2019) and officially launched in November 2020.
What’s the legal betting age?
You must be 21 or older to wager legally in Tennessee.
Can out-of-state visitors bet?
Yes — residency isn’t required. You just need to be physically located in Tennessee when placing a bet.
Are college bets allowed?
Yes — wagers on college teams and games (including Tennessee schools) are allowed, but no player props or in-game college props are permitted.
What markets are illegal?
High school, youth, or chance-based props (like coin tosses or Gatorade color) are prohibited.
Why no credit cards?
Tennessee bans credit card deposits to reduce gambling debt and encourage responsible play.
Are there physical sportsbooks?
No — Tennessee is an online-only sports betting state. All betting takes place on licensed apps or websites.
How are bonuses taxed?
Operators are taxed at 1.85% of handle, regardless of promotions. Players’ winnings are subject to federal income tax.
How do I file a complaint?
Contact SWAC at [email protected] or call 615-253-7922.
How do I self-exclude?
Visit tn.gov/swac/forms/self-exclusion.html to enroll in Tennessee’s statewide self-exclusion program.
What if I bet from outside Tennessee?
Bets placed outside state lines are automatically blocked. Attempting to bypass geolocation rules may result in account suspension.