Tennessee made history in 2020 by becoming the first state to launch a sports betting market with no physical sportsbooks, just apps and websites. That online-only model is still in place, letting bettors across the Volunteer State place real money wagers from anywhere without setting foot in a casino.
Last updated: 28 October 2025, 10:55AM






With more than a dozen online sportsbooks in Tennessee, finding the right welcome bonus and most user-friendly app is the key to success. We’ve done the detailed work, ranking top platforms to ensure you maximize your early returns. Scroll down to check out our picks for the best Tennessee sports betting sites and choose your match.
Not every sportsbook deserves your trust. Every sportsbook is reviewed through strict, real-world testing. If it makes our list of Tennessee sports betting sites, it’s earned that spot through performance, not promises. Here are the factors we look at:
Placing wagers at unlicensed sportsbooks is gambling in more ways than one. Our initial step ensures every recommended platform holds a license issued by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (TSWC), and complies with Tennessee betting law. We audit their security measures by testing logins, account safety, and making sure the operator has SSL certificates and data encryption.
Delays in getting paid can be a deal breaker for many punters. This is why we fund accounts and cash out across multiple TN sportsbooks to see how long it actually takes and which methods work best. From Debit cards to popular e-wallets, bank transfers, and U.S.-specific options like Venmo, a platform should not only have variety but also speed and no hidden charges.
Even small pricing gaps can affect your overall profit. That’s why we compare TN betting odds across major events and track the same bets at different betting sites, paying special attention to how they price popular markets, such as games involving the Titans, Grizzlies, and Volunteers. We measure the overall menu depth for both mainstream and niche sports, ensuring competitive lines and selection.
Since Tennessee is a mobile-only market, a laggy app means you're not betting, you're getting frustrated. So, we put Tennessee betting apps through daily game tests on both Android and iOS, in order to evaluate speed, layout, and stability when the watch count is at peak. Smooth navigation and minimal latency are key factors we look for.
A sign-up offer that sounds too good often comes with unrealistic terms that trap your money. We track how easy it is to activate the offer, what the terms demand, and whether the money positively impacts your bankroll. Only the most legit Tennessee sportsbook bonuses make our shortlist.
When the Tennessee legislature passed the state's sports betting bill in 2019, it was a genuinely historic moment, not just for the state but nationally, as Tennessee became the first state to approve a mobile-only sports betting market, with no retail sportsbooks. Regulation and oversight are handled by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC), which handles all licensing and compliance.
Unlike single-operator states, the SWC has approved over a dozen platforms, creating a competitive environment that benefits the bettors. It started slowly, but since then, the market has grown steadily and expanded its coverage to both major and niche sports. Here are the key events that led to legalization:
May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, giving states the power to legalize sports betting.
May 2019: Lawmakers pass the Tennessee sports betting bill, which becomes law without Governor Bill Lee’s signature.
November 1, 2020: Legal gambling in Tennessee begins, with top sportsbooks launching mobile platforms.
2021: Oversight transitions from the Tennessee Lottery to the Sports Wagering Advisory Council.
February 2023: The state implemented a unique new tax structure, shifting from taxing operators' revenue to taxing the total betting handle
TN residents must be above the legal betting age of 21 to participate in real money wagers online. While betting on college teams like the Volunteers and Tigers is allowed, prop bets on individual college athletes remain banned to protect amateur players. Horse race betting, however, is regulated separately and not available through the state’s licensed mobile operators.
March 16, 2025: bet365 officially launched its mobile sports betting app in the state, becoming the 13th licensed online platform, joining operators like FanDuel and BetMGM in the state.
May 21, 2025: The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council issued a cease and desist order to offshore sportsbook BetOnline, demanding it stop accepting wagers in the state by June 16.
September 20, 2025: The August monthly sports betting handle was reported at over $375.8 million, showing a strong return after the summer.
Profits from sports betting in Tennessee are considered taxable income under IRS rules, just like lottery or casino winnings. While Tennessee residents don’t owe state income tax, all gambling winnings must still be reported at the federal level. If you provide your Social Security Number, the standard federal tax rate is 25. Without it, you could go up to 28.
On the operator side, online sportsbooks pay a 1.85% tax on the TN sports betting handle. The Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council collects this revenue to fund regulation and state programs, keeping the tax system clear and focused without adding extra burden on players.
Online Sports Betting Launch | November 1, 2020 |
Retail Sports Betting Launch | No |
Legal Betting Age | 21 years old |
Licensing Authority | Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council |
Sports Betting Apps (Online) | Yes |
Online Sports Betting | Yes |
Retail Sports Betting | No |
Online Casinos (iGaming) | No |
Remote Registration | Yes |
Esports Betting | No |
College Sports Betting | Yes, no bets on individual college athletes |
State Population | ~7 million |
2024 Betting Handle | $4.5 billion |
Tax Rate on Winnings | 24% federal withholding; No state income tax |
Operator Tax Rate | 1.85% tax on betting handle |
There’s no shortage of TN sportsbook bonuses, but deciding which ones actually help you win more, or lose less, takes time. We reviewed the top offers on Tennessee betting apps and sites to find out which promotions are worth your time and bets:
Good welcome bonuses in Tennessee give you a real boost, and most platforms offer some version of a first-deposit match or bonus bet credit. While these bonuses can look appealing on the surface, they often require you to bet more than you planned or meet a high playthrough before receiving the benefits. That’s why we rate sign-up offers on TN sportsbooks based on how clear and accessible they are, because a bonus that’s hard to use isn’t much help.
You’ll find these in most Tennessee online sportsbooks, sometimes part of a sign-up promo, or as a separate promotion. Risk-free bets come as site credit and are never included in your winnings. If you bet $50 and win $100 at 2:1 odds, you only keep the $100 profit. We look for simple terms and low minimum deposit requirements to ensure accessibility for every level of player.
This bonus offer is the easiest to understand of all the TN sportsbook promotions. They simply increase the potential payout on a specific market without increasing your risk. These deals are perfect for all bettors, especially those who like parlays. A good example is a routine NBA game where boosted odds TN might move from +150 to +180, giving you real extra coin.
Often overlooked as a standalone promo, the TN sportsbook cashback bonus returns a portion of your weekly or monthly net losses as either site credit or bonus funds into your account. This is primarily a retention tool aimed at long-term, regular players who bet frequently, especially those on a losing streak. We constantly check how it’s credited and how quickly you can use it.
For loyal players, these bonuses offer long-term value by turning every dollar wagered into points redeemable for physical gifts, travel, or bonus bets. Unless you’re betting regularly, your points won’t go far. This is why we evaluate every rewards program in Tennessee based on two things: how easy it is to climb tiers, and what real-world value you get in return.
At most Tennessee sportsbooks, fans bet with their hearts, which is reflected in the betting patterns across the state. From SEC football betting to last-minute Titans drama, here are the popular sports that residents of the Volunteer State bet on:
The Tennessee Titans have a way of pulling bettors in emotionally. One week they’ll beat a top seed, the next they’ll blow a double-digit lead. Despite this inconsistency, local bettors use Titans future odds backing their team to make the playoffs or win the AFC South. You’ll also see bettors build same-game parlays that hinge on the Titans turning things around late or dominating offensively. Although it rarely hits, the payoff keeps them coming back.
When it comes to basketball, the Memphis Grizzlies dominate the scene in Tennessee, and their fast, unpredictable style shows up in how people bet. Their popularity in the Western region makes live betting popular, as fans chase totals and in-game spreads during the inevitable fourth-quarter rally or collapse. You’ll find Grizzlies fans heavily backing the over for total points as they are expecting a high-scoring match regardless of the outcome.
While football gets more attention, Predators NHL betting is another popular option in Tennessee. Most locals back the Nashville Predators, especially at home in Smashville, where the crowd plays as the extra man. Some TN bettors wait until the game is almost over and then bet on more goals being scored in the last period. Others find value in the Puck Line, which can pay off when the game is expected to stay close.
Most people in Tennessee bet on the Atlanta Braves and since baseball runs all summer long, it's perfect for regular betting action on the Tennessee sportsbooks. Unlike football, where the spread is about points, baseball uses the Run Line, which is always set at ±1.5 runs. MLB also lets you choose things like total runs, hits, or who wins each inning. This is why many starting bettors use moneylines or parlays to build simple tickets on Top Tennessee betting sites, especially during the playoff races.
College sports, particularly Tennessee Volunteers football and basketball matches, are what drive the most betting handle in the state. While betting on college basketball or football, many beginners start with simple moneyline bets or point spreads that level the playing field. NCAA betting Tennessee strictly prohibits all bets on player performance, so forget about individual player props. This restriction pushes action toward team-based wagers like Vols football odds for winning the division, or simple bracket bets during March Madness bets in Tennessee, making the team total score and game outcome the main focus.
Recently, betting on tennis and UFC has picked up on Tennessee online sportsbooks, especially for those looking to branch out from football or basketball. Live tennis wagers, like picking the match winner or total sets, offer quick results and plenty of action. With UFC, most use moneyline bets and simple knockout props for each fight. This is why big events with special promos on Tennessee betting sites attract both new and experienced players searching for something different.
Yes, Daily fantasy sports betting is fully legal in the Volunteer State, and plays a big role in how people engage with professional sports. DFS lets you focus on individual player stats, not just who wins the game. That’s why building lineups in DFS is really popular, especially during NFL Sundays. You can use the same Tennessee betting apps to play, since the major DFS platforms also run sportsbooks.
Getting started is extremely simple; you assemble a team under a salary cap, scoring points based on how your picks perform during games. Local players enjoy contests that range from small, head-to-head matches to large tournaments on popular apps.
Getting started with real money betting in Tennessee is easier than you might think. Follow these five simple steps to place your first wager confidently on a TN betting site:
1. First, pick a licensed Tennessee sportsbook from our curated list to ensure a safe betting experience. Some are better for promos, others for odds or app features. Simply tap through to register with your name, email, and a secure password
2. Next, complete identity verification by uploading your photo ID and enabling location services on your device. This confirms your age and that you’re physically within state lines.
3. Once you have access, deposit funds into your betting account using your preferred payment method. All major options like credit cards, PayPal, or bank transfers are supported on most TN sports betting apps.
4. Then, explore the wide range of Tennessee betting markets available, from football to basketball and more. Find the odds that appeal to you and add your selections to the bet slip.
5. Finally, enter your stake and review your bet carefully before confirming. Once placed, your wager is active, and your balance updates instantly. Now you’re officially in the game!
Mobile sports betting in Tennessee is not an option but a necessity, since the state follows an exclusive online model with no physical sportsbooks available. Users must be 21 years old and located within state lines to download the TN sportsbook app. You can grab these apps easily on the App Store or Google Play, then sign up and start betting within minutes.
Here are the top Tennessee betting apps bettors use, and what stands out for them:
FanDuel Sportsbook: Clean design, lightning-fast live odds.
DraftKings Sportsbook: Huge range of bet types and stats tools.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Offers the best rewards program and local Titans partnership.
Caesars Sportsbook: Strong loyalty perks and smooth app performance
Fanatics Sportsbook: Unique FanCash rewards that convert to merchandise or bonus bets.
Tennessee may not have brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, but its online betting scene is every bit as active, and maybe even more convenient. The TSWC has pushed every licensed operator to deliver a fast and feature-rich online sportsbook. As a result, TN bettors have a massive selection of trusted sites competing fiercely for their business.
Still, choosing among a dozen options can feel overwhelming, especially for first-timers. That’s why our list of the best Tennessee sports betting sites focuses only on those that pass our real-world tests. If you're ready to start betting legally and confidently, check out our trusted picks and sign up with a platform today!
Tennessee Sports Betting FAQs