Tennessee Online Casinos and Gambling (updated May, 2023)

Online Gambling in Tennessee

Online sports betting became legal in TN in May 2019, but all forms of casinos (online and land-based) remain illegal, with the current Governor, Bill Lee, making his view on this form of gambling clear, believing it destructive. 

While you won't find any form of real money casino games available in this state, you can still join a sweepstakes casino, enjoy a vast range of top slots, tables, live dealers, and play for virtual coins and payouts. 

While this doesn’t offer real money gambling, sweepstakes or social casinos have a more competitive element that keeps things lively, and there are plenty of houses that you can earn if your credits are running low.

TN Online Gambling Laws

TN has traditionally been an unfriendly state for gambling. However, in 2018, Senator Steve Dickerson and Representative Rick Staples introduced SB 0016 and HB 0001. On April 24th, 2019, HB 0001 passed the House with a majority of 58-37; it was then accepted into the Senate, passing by 19-12. Tennessee is the first US state legalizing internet sports betting without a land-based licensing infrastructure, and there are no plans to expand gambling any further in the state.

Gov. Lee refused to sign the sports betting bill but did not block its passing, returning the bill with a letter that said, “I do not believe the expansion of gambling through sports betting is in the best interest of our state, but I appreciate the General Assembly efforts to remove brick-and-mortar establishments. […] We see this issue differently but let me be clear: future efforts to expand gambling or introduce casinos in Tennessee will assure my veto.”

The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation used to front gambling regulation in this state, but in 2022 the newer Sports Wagering Advisory Council took over the role.

TN Online Gambling Bill

HB 001 includes the following regulations: 

• Max payouts are capped at 90%, with a 10% withholding rate.
• No retail sports betting is allowed.
• A $750K yearly license fee.
• Gross gambling revenue tax rate for operators of 20%.
• Professional leagues and NCAA betting are permitted.
• No props or live betting on college sports events.
• The ability for consumers to self-exclude.

Withholding Rates Explained

As new regulations state a 10% withholding rate, TN sportsbooks may payout no more than 90% of what is wagered over the year. This is controversial as it will likely lead to worse odds for players and is higher than in all other Internet betting states, where it sits around 5%.

The first TN online sportsbooks went live on Nov 1st, 2020. Daily fantasy sports are also legal and available along with pari-mutuel wagers. Below you can see a full list of licensed operators in the state.

Tennessee Licensed Sportsbooks

Sportsbook	Welcome Bonus	Launch Date
BetMGM TN	Up to $1,000 risk-free first bet	Nov 2020
FanDuel TN	Up to $1,000 risk-free first bet	Nov 2020
DraftKings TN	20% deposit match up to $1,000	Nov 2020
Caesars TN	Get up $1,100 in first bet insurance	Mar 2021
WynnBet	Bet $10, get $200 in free bets	Apr 2021
Barstool	Up to $1,000 risk-free first bet	Sep 2021
Betly	N/A	TBD
Fubo	N/A	TBD
Bally	N/A	TBD
SuperBook	N/A	TBD

Top 3 TN Online Sports Gambling Sites

When will Tennessee Online Casinos Launch?

While Gov. Lee is in office, it’s highly unlikely that there will be any movement in this respect. He has been very vocal on his views of gambling, even refusing to sign the 2019 gambling bill but not using his veto after the bill gained a majority in the Senate and House, thus allowing it to become law. 

So it’s unlikely that we’ll see TN casinos anytime soon, which means you’ll have to play at a sweepstakes casino if you don’t plan on traveling. Sweepstakes casinos are gaming sites that stock slots, table games, and live dealers. They do not offer real money stakes or prizes.

Instead, you’ll stake virtual coins and win them too. Virtual coins can also be gained via bonuses, usually given daily or more frequently. Some social gaming sites allow you access to the whole lobby from the start (see BetRivers.Net), while others have a tier system, where you’ll unlock new games by meeting thresholds. 

Additionally, as these are social sites, you’ll be encouraged to use your social media to engage, compete for prizes giveaways and bring your friends on board. 

Top 3 Tennessee Online Casinos (Sweepstakes)

5	Wow Vegas ✓  Daily login bonuses and loyalty club ✓  Prize redemption available Wow Vegas Review	Welcome Offer Register as a new player and claim 5,000 Wow Coins and 4.5 Sweepstake Coins for free	Get 1.5 million Wow Coins and 30 Sweepstakes Coins on first purchase, plus 4.5 Sweepstakes Coins free Take Me There www.wowvegas.com
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4.5	Betrivers.net ✓  Slots from popular and new providers ✓  Live dealer games from Evolution Betrivers.net Review	Welcome Offer Free virtual credits every 4 hours + Daily free spin of bonus wheel	Take Me There betrivers.net

Sweepstake Casino Bonuses

Comparing bonuses at sweepstakes sites is just as important as at a real money casino; when your luck is running low, you’ll depend on the bonuses to keep you in account credits. Every sweepstake site is different, so check out what’s on offer, and read our reviews to find out more about what you can get for free when you sign up for each platform.

Discover More About Playing Casino Games

1. Use any of the provided gambling site links or TN bonus codes on this page to go straight to your selected sportsbook and claim your welcome offer.
2. Once on the site, complete the registration form with your personal details.
3. Confirm your account and login.

Depositing players:

4. Head to the cashier and select your payment method.
5. Input the amount, choose your welcome bonus, and process the payment.
6. Enjoy the best of TN online gambling.

Responsible Gambling in Tennessee

There is a TN state-wide self-exclusion program that players can register for; you can also find more support and problem gambling guidance via the TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. You can also contact The Problem Gambling Outreach, Education & Referral Progam 24/7, phone: 800-889-9789.

TN Gambling News

For all the latest gambling news from Tennessee and beyond, check out our weekly Casino Cabbie Digest.

Online Casinos and Gambling TN FAQs

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