Sports betting in Tennessee has taken an impressive leap forward in recent times, transforming the state into a major player on the national stage. Despite its once-strict gambling laws, Tennessee now boasts one of the most successful sportsbook launches in US history.
What fueled this remarkable rise? A perfect mix of timing, sports passion, and innovative approaches to online betting.
So, let’s explore exactly why Tennessee leads in sports betting success.
Betting in the United States has a complex history. Regarding sports betting, Congress passed PASPA (the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) in 1992 – which mandated states to not legalize sports betting (other than a few exceptions, such as horse racing and dog racing – and the sports lotteries that operated in Montana, Oregon, and Delaware, and Nevada’s licensed sports pools).
However, the act was overturned in 2018 by the Supreme Court of the United States. Soon after, several states drafted bills to legalize sports betting – including Delaware and New Jersey.
Today, sportsbooks are legal in thirty-eight states (as well as the District of Columbia and the territory of Puerto Rico) and online sports betting is legal in thirty states (as well as Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.).
And in Tennessee, both sports betting and online sports betting is now legal – although in-person retail sports betting is not.
Tennessee made sports betting legal in May 2019. More than a year later, in late 2020, the first sportsbooks in the state went into action.
This was big news because, previously, Tennessee laws concerning gambling were some of the toughest in the USA. And other betting options in the state are still limited to horse racing betting, regional lotteries, some charitable gambling, and Daily Fantasy Sports.
According to the analyst Dustin Gouker, Tennessee’s sportsbooks experienced the best debut in the history of legal sports betting in the USA. More wagers were generated in the first month than any other state in history.
This was partially due to the fact that there was a high demand for sports betting in the state – locals had been patiently waiting for legalized sports betting for some time, especially as Tennessee’s gambling laws had previously been so rigid.
But the success of Tennessee’s sportsbooks were also due to the fact that they debuted during the heart of the NFL and college football seasons – in an area where residents are almost fanatical about football.
The top sportsbook operators took full advantage of that. In November 2020, these sportsbooks generated a staggering $131.4 million (according to The Tennessee Education Lottery). That amount was the most generated in the history of sports betting in the country. The title had been previously held by Indiana – which generated only $35.2 million in September 2019.
There are a number of sports that you can bet on in Tennessee. Top options include:
So, pick your favorite sport and find out what the odds are for upcoming games.
With so many options, it’s no wonder Tennessee is such a key player in sports betting in the USA.
Yes, live sports betting is available with Tennessee sportsbooks. In fact, it’s one of the most popular ways of placing bets on sports in the state. Every online sportsbook in Tennessee enables you to bet live.
Simply create and validate an account with your online sportsbook of choice and head to the live betting section. You can watch live streams, find out the odds, and place the bets you want to make.
The popular focus on live sports betting is another reason why Tennessee has become such a key player in sports betting.
The best Tennessee sportsbooks are covered here. Research each one to find out which is most suitable for your preferences. Of course, you also have the option to bet on multiple sportsbooks.
As of January 2025, the top two online sportsbooks in Tennessee are Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM.
At present, you must be twenty-one years of age or older in order to place a sportsbook bet in Tennessee.
At present, you can only legally bet on sports online in Tennessee. Land-based sports betting is not possible as brick-and-mortar sports betting venues aren’t allowed for by the law.
However, there is a possibility that things could change in the future. Currently, DraftKings are seeking approval to open sports bars in Nashville. If approved, patrons will only be able to wager online at a designated venue. But it’s a step in the right direction for those who wish to see sports betting in Tennessee extended to in-person retail sportsbooks.
Tennessee’s evolution in sports betting highlights the impact of smart legislation and an understanding of local enthusiasm.
By embracing online sportsbooks without physical venues, the state has carved out a unique niche – while setting records! This shift reflects broader changes in how Americans engage with sports, betting, and technology.
What comes next could reshape betting further. With potential expansions like in-person options, Tennessee may again redefine expectations for what modern sports gambling looks like.
The state’s success shows how embracing innovation can turn limitations into unmatched opportunities.
