If you live in Tennessee, you can bet on sports but you have to bet online. This means that the only way to bet on any game is to do so via an app or website.
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What sports can you bet on?
When sports betting first launched in Tennessee, most of the focus was on NFL football, with the Tennessee Titans being the primary team attracting wagers. However, other sports have also gained popularity. The Memphis Grizzlies have helped drive NBA betting in the state, especially during strong playoff runs, and the Nashville Predators continue to generate action from hockey fans, despite the NHL being a smaller betting market overall.
College sports betting is also legal in Tennessee, allowing fans to bet on teams like the Tennessee Volunteers. However, state regulations prohibit certain types of wagers on college games. While bettors can place bets on outcomes like moneylines and point spreads, prop bets on individual college athletes are not allowed to protect player integrity.
Types of bets available in Tennessee
Tennessee sportsbooks offer a full range of betting options, giving bettors flexibility in how they wager. Traditional bets like moneyline wagers, point spreads, and totals (over/under) are all available. Bettors can also explore parlays, which allow them to combine multiple bets into a single wager for a higher payout, though all legs of the bet must be successful.
For those who like to bet on long-term outcomes, futures bets are an option. These include wagers on things like championship winners, conference winners, or season awards like MVP. Additionally, Tennessee sportsbooks offer live betting, which allows bettors to place wagers on games as they unfold. Live odds update in real-time, reflecting changes in momentum and game flow.
There are, however, some restrictions. Prop bets on individual college athletes are not permitted, meaning you can’t wager on how many points a college player will score or how many passing yards a quarterback will throw for. Additionally, Tennessee does not allow betting on events outside of sports, such as entertainment awards shows or political elections.
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Tips for first-time sports bettors in Tennessee
Since Tennessee has an online-only sports betting market, new bettors should take advantage of welcome bonuses and promotions when signing up. Different sportsbooks offer varying promotions, and shopping around can help maximize bankrolls. Learning the basics of different bet types, including moneylines, spreads, and totals, is also key to making smarter wagers.
Having a money management strategy is essential. Before placing bets, setting a specific budget and determining how much to bet per wager can help avoid overspending. Successful sports betting is about long-term strategy rather than quick wins, so patience is important.
Finally, researching matchups, odds, and betting trends before placing wagers can make a big difference. While betting on your favorite team may be tempting, making logical, data-backed bets is a better way to find value in the market.
Val C. Martinez
Founder of BettingLadies.com
Like all U.S. states, Tennessee requires sports bettors to report winnings to the IRS. Sportsbooks may withhold 24% for federal taxes if winnings exceed a certain threshold. Unlike other states, however, there is no state income tax in TN but all winnings must still be reported on federal tax returns.
Background on Tennessee sports betting
As we mention in the introduction, Tennessee is unique in the sports betting world because it has no retail sportsbooks or casinos. When lawmakers legalized sports betting, they opted for a fully online model, making Tennessee the first and only state in the U.S. to launch with an online-only betting market.
The move was seen as a bold decision, but it has been successful. Since launching on November 1, 2020, Tennessee’s sportsbooks have handled billions in wagers, proving that an online-only market can be viable. The decision to bypass physical sportsbooks was initially met with skepticism, but it has provided convenience for bettors who can place wagers from anywhere in the state.
Tennessee first dipped its toes into gambling in 2016, when the state legalized daily fantasy sports. Once the federal ban on sports betting was lifted in 2018, lawmakers saw an opportunity to regulate and tax the industry. After passing legislation, the state launched sports betting two years later.
Despite early concerns that Tennessee’s lack of retail sportsbooks would hurt its market, the state has proven to be a strong performer. Other states without casinos have taken notice, and Tennessee’s model has become a reference point for future online-only betting markets.
What’s next for sports betting in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s sports betting market continues to grow, with new sportsbooks entering the space. While it is unlikely that retail sportsbooks will be introduced anytime soon, online betting is thriving, and Tennessee remains one of the more active betting states in the country.
With sports betting becoming more widely accepted across the U.S., it will be interesting to see if Tennessee expands its offerings. Whether that means loosening restrictions on college player props or allowing additional types of wagers remains to be seen. For now, bettors in the state can enjoy a robust online betting market with plenty of options.
Sarah Chetcuti
iGaming Writer
Val C. Martinez
Founder of BettingLadies.com
