Tennessee Sports Betting FAQ: What Every New Bettor Asks

Is sports betting actually legal in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee legalized online sports betting in May 2019 under the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, and licensed apps went live on November 1, 2020. It was the first state in the US to allow online-only sports betting — meaning no retail sportsbook windows, ever. Every legal wager happens on your phone or a browser.

The regulator is the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWAC). You can verify any operator's license status at tn.gov/swac/licensees-registrants.html. If an app isn't on that list, don't deposit — betting with an unlicensed operator is a crime under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-502.

Do I have to live in Tennessee to place a bet?

No residency required. You just have to be physically inside state lines when you bet. Every licensed app uses geolocation technology to confirm this before accepting a wager. Cross the border into Kentucky, and the app stops working until you're back in Tennessee.

What's the minimum legal age?

21+, full stop. Operators verify your age with a government-issued ID during account registration. If you're under 21, you can't create an account — and you shouldn't try.

Which sportsbooks are available in Tennessee right now?

As of October 2025, there are at least 12 active licensees: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, Circa Sports, PropSwap, Underdog Fantasy, and Betr. bet365 joined the list on March 16, 2025. For a full side-by-side breakdown of welcome offers, see every licensed Tennessee sportsbook welcome bonus, ranked.

Can I bet on college sports — including Tennessee teams?

Yes for game and team betting, including University of Tennessee games. No for NCAA college player props — those are banned statewide. That's a narrower market than you'd find in some other legal states, so plan accordingly.

Do I need a promo code to claim a welcome bonus?

It depends on the operator. FanDuel, for example, auto-activates its welcome offer through a promotional link — no code needed. Caesars, on the other hand, requires you to enter a code before depositing; miss that window and the bonus is gone permanently. I've compared exactly which apps need a code and which don't on the page about which Tennessee sportsbook promos need a code — and which don't.

What are bonus bets, and can I withdraw them?

Bonus bets are credits you wager like real money, but you can't withdraw them directly. Only the winnings that come from a bonus bet may be withdrawable, and even that varies by operator terms. They also expire — typically 7 to 14 days after being issued. Don't let them sit unused.

Can someone else place a bet on my behalf?

No. Proxy betting — having another person place a wager for you — is explicitly illegal in Tennessee. One account, one person.

What if I have a dispute with a sportsbook?

File a formal grievance with the operator within 30 days of the incident, per SWAC rules. If the operator doesn't resolve it, you can escalate to SWAC. Document everything: screenshots, bet IDs, timestamps.

Are there taxes on winnings in Tennessee?

Tennessee has no state income tax on wages or investment income, which extends to gambling winnings at the state level. Federal taxes still apply — all gambling winnings are reportable income to the IRS regardless of amount. Talk to a tax professional if you're running up meaningful wins; BettingOnline.org's Tennessee page has a useful primer on the topic.

What are the warning signs of an unlicensed site?

Three big ones: the site accepts credit card deposits (prohibited for all licensed TN operators), there's no geolocation check at login, or the operator isn't on the SWAC licensee registry. Offshore sites like Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie are specifically named by Tennessee regulators as unlicensed — avoid them.

Ready to claim an offer? Check out the Caesars Sportsbook Tennessee promo code for 20 Profit Boost Tokens or browse all current Tennessee sportsbook promos on the homepage to find the deal that fits your first-bet budget. Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call the Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789.