Sports betting has exploded in popularity across the United States in recent years. One of the latest states to legalize online sports betting is Tennessee. The state officially launched online sports betting in November 2020 when the first sportsbooks went live. This opened up a massive new market in the Volunteer State.
For sports fans in Tennessee looking to get in on the action and place wagers on their favorite sports and teams, it can be confusing to figure out exactly how to get started with sports betting. This comprehensive guide will walk through everything you need to know about how to bet on sports online in Tennessee.
Is sports betting legal in Tennessee?
Yes, sports betting is completely legal in Tennessee for anyone 21 years and older. The state passed legislation in spring 2019 to allow for regulated statewide mobile sports wagering. After over a year of establishing the regulatory framework and licensing operators, Tennessee launched its online sports betting market in November 2020.
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation oversees all licensing and regulation of sports betting in Tennessee. There are no in-person sportsbooks allowed under the law, only online/mobile sports wagering is permitted. Gambling on sports in any other format remains prohibited under state law.
Which sports betting sites are live in Tennessee?
As of October 2023, there are now nine licensed online sportsbooks accepting bets in Tennessee:
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetRivers
- Action247
- WynnBET
- Genius Sports
- TwinSpires
This provides Tennessee residents with an excellent variety of sports betting options. All of the major national brands are represented, along with some smaller operators. The Tennessee Lottery expects several additional sportsbooks to launch in the future as well to expand the market.
Do you have to be a Tennessee resident to bet online?
Yes, you must be a Tennessee resident aged 21 or older to sign up, deposit, and place wagers with the licensed sportsbooks in the state. When registering for an account, you will be required to provide some basic identification and contact information such as:
- Legal name
- Social security number
- Date of birth
- Residential address in Tennessee
- Phone number
The sportsbooks have geolocation technology to validate your location is within Tennessee state lines when playing. There are currently no compacts with other states to allow interstate wagering. Your account will be permanently suspended if you try to place bets while located outside of Tennessee.
How do I sign up for an online sportsbook in Tennessee?
Signing up for an account with one of Tennessee’s licensed sportsbooks only takes a few minutes. The registration process is very straightforward:
- Select which sportsbook site or app you wish to play on and visit it directly or download the iOS/Android app.
- Click or tap the button to create your new player account and fill out the registration form.
- Enter all required personal information details mentioned above to verify your identity and that you are a Tennessee resident.
- Confirm your email address and phone number to activate your new account.
- Make your opening deposit using any available payment method.
Once funded, you can then browse the available bets and place your first real-money wagers on sporting events. Most players report the signup process taking 5-10 minutes from start to finish.
How do I fund my sports betting account in Tennessee?
Sportsbooks offer a variety of reliable deposit and withdrawal options. Most accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) as well as online banking transfers and e-wallet payments. Here are some of the most commonly used funding methods in Tennessee:
| Payment Method | Deposits | Withdrawals | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online banking | Instant | 1-3 days | Free |
| Debit/credit card | Instant | Up to 5 days | None |
| PayPal | Instant | Within hours | None |
| Play+ Prepaid | Instant | Instant | Free |
Most methods process deposits instantly to get your account funded right away. Withdrawals take 1-5 days for security reviews before being processed. There are generally no fees assessed on transactions.
What sports can you bet on online in Tennessee?
Tennessee sportsbooks take action on all major professional and college sports in the US. Here are some of the most popular sports to bet on:
- NFL football
- NBA basketball
- MLB baseball
- NHL hockey
- College football
- College basketball
- Soccer (EPL, MLS, Champions League)
- Tennis
- Golf
- MMA/Boxing
You will also find betting markets for less mainstream sports like disc golf, cricket, rugby, auto racing, and more. The online sportsbooks cater to worldwide bettors, so many international leagues and competitions are covered too.
What types of sports bets are available online in Tennessee?
Some of the most popular sports betting options and wager types include:
Moneyline
This is a straight bet on who will win a sporting event. Odds are adjusted based on each side’s perceived chance of winning. Stronger teams/players will be favored on the moneyline with shorter negative odds (Ex: -150). The underdog will have positive odds (Ex: +250).
Point Spread
The point spread bet is on the margin of victory after adding/subtracting a handicap assigned by the sportsbook. If Tennessee is favored by -7 points over Vanderbilt, they must win by over 7 points to cover the spread. Vandy covers by losing by fewer than 7 points or winning outright.
Totals (Over/Under)
Here you are betting on whether the combined final score by both teams will go over or under the posted total. If the over/under for Vols vs. Georgia is 40 points, you would bet whether you think the total score will be over or under 40.
Futures
These are bets on longer-term outcomes like season win totals, championship and division winners, player awards, etc. Futures odds are set well in advance, allowing you to bet on events months or weeks ahead.
Prop Bets
A prop (proposition) bet is on something happening or not happening during a game. Examples include which player will score the first TD, whether a QB throws over or under 2.5 TD passes, if a basketball player gets a double-double, etc.
There are tons of additional exotic bet types too like parlays, in-game betting, and more available at Tennessee sportsbooks.
Are there any online sports betting promotions in Tennessee?
Yes, the licensed Tennessee sportsbooks compete heavily with attractive signup bonuses and ongoing promotions. This gives players extra incentives to play at their sites and apps. Just a few examples of common offers include:
- Deposit match – 100% or risk-free bet match up to $1,000
- Free bets – $50 or $100 free bet credits
- Odds boosts – Improved odds on select wagers
- Profit boosts – 20% or higher boosted payout on winning bets
- Parlay insurance – Refund if one leg of a parlay loses
- Referral bonus – Get free bets for referring friends
Be sure to compare the latest Tennessee sportsbook promos and bonuses to maximize the value. Take advantage of these offers to stretch your sports betting bankroll further.
Is online sports betting safe and legal?
Yes, placing real-money sports wagers online with the licensed Tennessee sportsbooks is completely legal and safe. All of the sports betting sites and apps operate under both state and federal regulations to ensure proper consumer protections are in place, including:
- Secure SSL encrypted connections
- Strict identity verification checks
- Geolocation technology to enforce geographic restrictions
- Responsible gaming resources
- Fair betting lines and practices
- Prompt payment of winnings
- Customer support to assist with any issues
As long as you use one of the approved sportsbooks, you can feel confident placing bets knowing you are playing at a safe site that takes security and regulations very seriously.
Are winnings taxed in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not levy any state taxes on regulated sports betting. This means your winnings are all yours to keep and enjoy. You do not have to pay any taxes or fees to the state.
However, sportsbook winnings are still subject to federal taxes. If you have net gambling winnings for the year exceeding $600, the IRS requires you to report this additional income and pay the appropriate amount of taxes owed.
Can I bet using a sportsbook app in Tennessee?
Yes, the sportsbooks provide dedicated iOS and Android apps to conveniently bet from your mobile device. Simply download the app directly from the sportsbook site, or find it in the App Store (for iPhone and iPad users) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
The apps provide the full suite of features available on the desktop site. You can register, deposit, place all bets, and request payouts through the app from anywhere within Tennessee. Using the geo-comply location verification, you must have your location services enabled for the app to work properly.
Are online sportsbooks safe and secure?
Yes, the licensed Tennessee sports betting sites use industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect player accounts and transactions. You can verify the site has a valid SSL certificate by looking for the green padlock icon and “https://” in the URL bar:
This ensures all data transmitted between the website and your device is encrypted. Sportsbooks also utilize two-factor authentication and firewalls to add further layers of cybersecurity.
For additional account protection, be sure to create a unique password and keep this and your account details safeguarded. Avoid accessing sports betting sites on unsecured public Wi-Fi. Take these simple steps to bet safely online.
What happens if I have a dispute with a sportsbook?
If any issues arise with a Tennessee sports betting site, the first step is to reach out to their customer support team. Most problems can be resolved by contacting the sportsbook directly and having them review the issue.
If you still feel unsatisfied with the resolution, Tennessee residents can file a complaint with the Tennessee Lottery’s Sports Wagering Committee. They oversee regulation and will investigate your dispute further against the licensee.
Keep documentation of your account details and conversation with the sportsbook’s support staff. This information will assist the regulatory body in completing their review.
Conclusion
Placing wagers at licensed Tennessee sports betting sites and apps is a fun, safe and exciting way to engage with your favorite sports. Just sign up at a reputable sportsbook, fund your account, and start exploring the massive range of betting markets and options.
Between intense research to gain betting insights and suspense watching a game unfold after laying some action, sports betting takes already enjoyable spectating to another level. Use this guide to get started betting online today and enjoy the games even more!
