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Tennessee Sports Betting Legal Landscape: When It Began and Who Can Bet
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 14:24 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Tennessee Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide (Summarized)
In 2023 Tennessee opened its doors to sports betting, a move that has transformed the state’s gaming landscape and offered fans new ways to engage with their favorite teams and events. The Sporting News article “Tennessee Sports Betting Guide” provides a deep dive into the legal framework, how to get started, where you can place bets, and what you need to know about taxes, payouts, and responsible play. Below is a detailed, 500‑plus‑word summary that captures every key point and practical tip the piece offers.
1. The Legal Landscape
When Did It Become Legal?
- Tennessee voters approved a sports‑betting measure on November 6, 2022.
- The law went into effect on January 1, 2023, allowing the state to license online sportsbooks.
Who is Authorized to Offer Bets?
- The Tennessee Lottery operates its own sports‑betting platform, “Tennessee Lottery Sports Betting.”
- The state has issued licenses to three major operators: FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM (the latter through its partnership with the state lottery).
- These operators must run on a single platform that integrates state‑wide compliance and reporting systems.
What Sports Are Covered?
- The law covers all major sports, including MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, college football, college basketball, soccer, and mixed‑martial‑arts events.
- Minor leagues and high‑school games are not covered.
Who Can Bet?
- You must be 21 or older to place bets.
- A player must physically reside in Tennessee at the time of the wager.
- The state requires real‑time verification of location (IP checks, geolocation, or in‑store checks).
2. How to Get Started
Step 1 – Choose an Operator
- Each of the three operators has a user‑friendly mobile app and website.
- The Tennessee Lottery’s app is often the simplest for newcomers because it integrates with your state‑issued lottery numbers and offers a “play‑and‑win” feature.
Step 2 – Sign Up
- Create an account with a valid email or phone number.
- Verify your identity by providing a driver’s license or passport, a utility bill, and a selfie.
- For those who are not familiar with the process, the apps guide you through each step with a simple wizard.
Step 3 – Fund Your Account
- Options include bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and state‑issued “Tennessee Lottery e‑Tickets.”
- The minimum deposit is $10 for the lottery platform and $20 for the other operators.
Step 4 – Start Betting
- The interface offers a “Betting Menu” that lists available sports, leagues, and event types.
- For a beginner, the “Daily Picks” section is a good start: a 5‑bet box for $5 that covers all big‑money events of the day.
3. Types of Bets
- Moneyline – Pick the winner of a game or match.
- Point Spread – Bet on whether a team will win by a certain margin.
- Totals (Over/Under) – Bet on the combined score of a game.
- Parlay – Combine multiple bets into one wager for higher payouts.
- Live Betting – Place wagers on events that are already in progress.
All three operators support these options, with additional niche markets like “Prop Bets” (e.g., who will score first) and “Moneyline with a Spread” on the lottery platform.
4. Taxes and Payouts
- Taxation: Tennessee does not impose a state tax on sports betting winnings. However, the federal IRS does tax gambling income.
- Withdrawal: Payouts are typically processed within 24–48 hours, but the lottery platform can offer instant cash‑out options in some cases.
- Minimum Withdrawal: $50 for the lottery, $100 for the other operators.
5. Promotions and Bonuses
- Welcome Bonus: A 100 % match up to $200 on the first deposit for the lottery and up to $500 on other platforms.
- Daily Picks: $5 for 5 daily boxes.
- Free Parlay: DraftKings offers a free parlay on certain high‑profile events.
- In‑app “Cash‑Out”: Allows bettors to lock in a profit before the event ends.
Always read the terms; many promotions require a minimum number of bets or a deposit threshold.
6. Responsible Gambling
- Deposit Limits: You can set a daily deposit cap of up to $200.
- Self‑Exclusion: Users can voluntarily ban themselves from betting for a period.
- Support Resources: The article lists links to the “Tennessee Gambling Help Line” and other state‑run counseling services.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bet online from outside Tennessee?
- No. IP geolocation is mandatory; you must be physically in Tennessee at the time of placing a wager.Is the lottery platform the same as the other sportsbooks?
- No. The lottery platform uses its own backend, whereas DraftKings and FanDuel use the standard sports‑betting interface.What if I lose my device or forget my login?
- Each operator offers account recovery via email or phone verification.
8. Where to Find More Information
- Tennessee Lottery Sports Betting (official website)
- DraftKings (https://draftkings.com)
- FanDuel (https://fanduel.com)
- BetMGM (https://betmgm.com)
- Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions – for licensing and regulatory updates.
The article’s original links provide direct paths to each platform’s download page and to a detailed FAQ page on the Tennessee Lottery site.
Takeaway
The Sporting News guide does an excellent job of translating Tennessee’s new sports‑betting law into actionable steps. By covering the legal background, how to sign up, the variety of betting options, tax implications, and responsible gambling resources, it equips both novice and seasoned bettors with everything they need to dive into the world of Tennessee sports betting. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of college football or simply looking to test a parlay, the state’s now‑available sportsbooks offer user‑friendly platforms, competitive promotions, and a solid legal foundation to enjoy the games you love.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/betting/news/tennessee-sports-betting-guide/3eccdd57fce2f6602e0d1931 ]
