Tennessee Sports Betting – Best TN Sportsbooks 2024
The approval of the Sports Gaming Act in July 2019 cleared the way for Tennessee to enjoy legal sports betting. However, the state took an unusual approach, becoming the first to adopt an online-only approach to wagering.
There are no retail sportsbooks in the Volunteer State and that looks set to remain the case for a long time. However, there are several mobile betting apps and sites to choose from, as we’ll discuss in this Tennessee sports betting guide.
What else will you discover in this article? We’ll reveal the most popular ways to bet and show you some popular promotions to capitalize on. Learn about the history and growth of betting in the region and finally, we’ll walk you through registering an account.
Ready to go? Let’s do it!
Best Licensed Online Sports Betting Sites available in Tennessee
Before we take a deep dive into the world of Tennessee sports betting, let’s first reveal our favorite online bookmakers.
We frequently assess sportsbooks to ensure they’re secure, with convenient payment options, first-class support and generous odds. Here are the best bookies in TN, according to our expert panel.
CODE: BBCSUSA
1
First Bet
$1500
Paid Back
First Bet
$1500
Paid Back
99
points
Loyal players are rewarded with M Life Rewards
Up to $1500 Risk-Free First Bet
Useful early cash out and ‘Edit My Bet’ options available
This article will go into plenty of detail. If there’s one specific aspect of Tennessee sports betting that you’re interested in, you might want to skip straight to it via the following links.
Sports and betting have always co-existed, but the gambling industry has exploded since the creation of the internet. With everyone now carrying around a mobile sportsbook in their pocket, it’s easier than ever to place wagers on your favorite sporting competitions.
And that’s exactly what online sports betting is: gambling on events that might happen in a game. It could be as simple as which team will emerge triumphant or which player will score the most points. But it might be a little more complex, such as a handicap spread or a teaser. You may bet in-play or pre-game, via mobile, tablet or a desktop computer.
What we won’t be talking about in this article is Daily Fantasy Sports. Although this does involve risking real money through the internet, it’s a different type of sports gambling.
Betting on greyhound races has been very popular since ages!
Is Online Sports Betting Allowed in Tennessee?
The Tennessee sports betting laws were re-written in July 2019. Governor Bill Lee approved Public Chapter No. 507, dubbed the “Sports Gaming Act”, despite his opposition to gambling. This bill paved the way for legalized online sportsbooks in the Volunteer State, the first of which opened on November 1, 2020.
Tennessee has an unusual sports betting model, as they were the first to take the online-only route. While mobile apps are permitted, you will not find any traditional retail sportsbooks in the state. At present, there are no plans to change this legal framework.
Sports Betting Options in Tennessee
Ask any individual how they like to wager and you’ll get several different answers, but there are some industry-wide trends. Here are the most common betting lines enjoyed by Tennesseans.
Moneyline
The moneyline tells us the respective chances of each team or player winning a contest. The favorite has the highest probability and therefore pays a lower potential prize. But backing the underdog can be lucrative if they do win.
Moneyline betting is so popular due to its inherent simplicity. After all, the only question is “who wins?”
Spread
Where moneyline markets are too uneven, because one of the contestants is so much better than the other, a spread is helpful. The bookies will issue a handicap to the favorite, making it harder for them to win the game.
The point of this is to bring the odds closer together and make it a much more appealing betting market. After all, there’s no point risking any money if one team has absolutely no chance of winning a game.
Totals
Betting on totals requires you to guess whether the real value will be higher or lower than a theoretical line set by the bookmaker. As such, you’ll often hear them called “Over/Under” lines.
There are several different totals markets to be found, the most common of which is the total number of points in a game. In NBA betting for instance, a line might be 201.5, meaning a result of 101-103 (204) would be a win for “Over” bettors.
Futures
Most Tennessee sports betting operators offer long-term wagers known as “futures”. Examples include predicting the winner of the following year’s Kentucky Derby, or Super Bowl MVP.
These markets are popular with real sports experts due to the promise of greater rewards. Why? Because when there are months to go before a result, anything can happen. And that unpredictability is offset by bigger odds.
In-Play
The gambling industry has seen astronomical growth in the area of live, or “in-play” betting in the past decade. And live sports betting is just as popular in Tennessee as anywhere else in the world.
It unlocks so many different ways to think about sports wagering. Innovative markets exist today that could only be imagined 20 years ago.
Teasers
As a parlay can be hard to land, most bookmakers like to give you a chance to make things more favorable. That’s why they came up with the concept of “teasers”, which allow you to adjust certain elements of the bet.
When placing a teaser, you can move the points spread in either direction, depending on your preference. That gives you a better chance of winning, though a slightly reduced payout.
Parlay
A parlay is when you link several selections together to form one big bet. So if you were to pick out four NBA teams to win, for example, you could certainly place four individual bets. But if you placed one four-leg parlay instead, the odds are multiplied together for a potentially huge payout.
The sizable rewards are understandably appealing to Tennessee sports betting fans. But naturally, you should understand that the risk of losing is greater too.
Tennessee Sports Betting Growth
The launch of legalized Tennessee sports betting on November 1, 2020 was a huge success. Just four operators were accepting bets from day one, but the first month’s sales were incredible.
Punters in the Volunteer State placed a staggering $131 million worth of bets. This smashed the previous record of $35.2 million, set by Indiana’s launch of sports betting in September 2019. Even New Jersey, one of the USA’s biggest sports betting players, only took $16.4 million worth of bets in their first month.
These numbers were no fluke either, with numbers growing consistently since the opening day. A little over one year after launch, Tennessee broke its own record for monthly handle as bettors staked a total of $386 million.
As of July 2022, there were nine mobile sports betting operators in Tennessee.
Why Is Sports Betting Popular in TN?
There are several reasons behind the immense popularity of sports betting in Tennessee. Let’s find out what they are.
1. Accessibility
It’s just so easy these days to access a Tennessee sports betting site. Since legalization, there are few restrictions and lots of brands to choose from. Everyone carries the internet around with them on cell phones and thanks to convenient apps, registering is easier than ever before.
2. Bonuses
Everyone loves a freebie and thanks to the competitive nature of the industry, bookies have to provide such deals. Tennessee sports betting companies are no exception and you’ll find all kinds of tempting free bets and bonuses that are simply irresistible.
3. Excitement
It’s true that sports are exciting enough as they are. But there’s no better way to pep up a boring game than by placing a bet. That extra rush of adrenaline when there’s money on the line is a unique experience that cannot be matched.
4. Rewards
Part of the reason why betting is so exciting is the promise of winning cold, hard cash. But with so many intriguing ways to bet, it’s feasible to turn just a few dollars into a huge prize. Parlays, teasers and futures all offer generous returns from small stakes.
Types of Bonus in Online Sports Betting
Tennessee sports betting sites have to work hard to capture the attention of potential new customers. After all, the gambling industry is an extremely competitive one. Here are some of the many promotions you can take full advantage of.
First Time Deposit Bonus
Almost every online bookmaker today offers a welcome bonus. And more often than not, it comes in the shape of a deposit match offer. You’ll need to load real money into your wallet before you can bet. But when you do, the company will reward you with a percentage bonus.
All Tennessee sports betting brands approach this differently. DraftKings, for example, will boost your deposit 20% up to a value of $1,000. So if you loaded $1,500 into your account, there’d be an additional $300 worth of betting credits available to you.
Reload Bonus
Sportsbooks spend a lot of money on marketing and they know there’s more to it than attracting a new customer. They need to work just as hard in order to retain their business. One method of trying to keep bettors around is with reload offers.
They work just like a first time deposit match offer, but the percentages tend to be on the smaller side. You might see rewards in the region of 20% to 50%, for instance. It could also be the case that the bonus only applies if you deposit on a certain day, so pay attention.
Free Bet
While some Tennessee sports betting sites offer bonus credits, others prefer to award free bet tokens. Sometimes, these can only be used on specific sports and lines, so make sure that you’ve read the terms and conditions fully.
How do they work? It’s very simple. The token acts as a substitute for a real money stake. So if your bet loses, you haven’t really spent any money. But if you win, the profits are yours to keep.
Risk-Free Bet
A risk-free bet, sometimes called a “No Sweat Bet”, is not the same as a free bet. That’s because you need to actually stake real money from your wallet, as opposed to a betting token. However, the risk is heavily mitigated.
In most cases, when a risk-free bet loses, you’ll get the money back in the form of a free bet. A good example of this is FanDuel Sportsbook, who currently offer a no sweat bet worth up to $1,000. But naturally, if you win, you’ll keep 100% of the returns.
Parlay Insurance
Parlays are not easy to win and all of the best Tennessee sports betting apps know this. Because they don’t want you to be put off, many of them offer parlay insurance deals to cushion the blow of a near miss.
Usually, this comes in the form of a consolation prize like a free bet. For example, if just one of your picks lets you down, you might get your money back, either as a free bet or as real cash.
Profit Boost
There are several ways to approach this kind of offer, but they’re all pretty much the same. Some bookmakers opt for “profit boosts”, where they increase your winnings by a fixed percentage on selected markets.
Other sportsbooks enhance the odds before placing the bet, rather than boosting the profits afterwards. But the effect is basically the same. With an “odds boost”, there will be selected markets to choose from every day where the prices have been enhanced. Some sites even let you choose your own lines to boost.
Loyalty Program
Just like most casinos, airlines and department stores, the top Tennessee sports betting companies boast generous rewards programs. Spend real money on bets and acquire loyalty points, exactly like air miles.
As you accumulate more and more points, you’ll climb the ranks and earn better benefits. You can usually trade the points in for physical rewards too. These might include branded merchandise like keychains, clothing or gadgets. Many sportsbooks will let you swap your points for free bets, too.
Popular Sports to Bet On
There are several popular teams in TN, which more than likely influences the popularity of sports betting markets. After all, many bettors show their support through their pocket. It takes a lot of faith in your favorite team to risk your hard earned money on the outcome of a game!
Here are the most commonly enjoyed sports betting markets by the people of Tennessee:
In the NBA, the state is represented by the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Nashville Predators compete in the NHL. The Tennessee Titans play in the NFL too. Although none of these teams has won a championship, they all regularly battle for divisional and conference honors.
How to Sign up for Online Sports Betting in TN
It couldn’t be easier to join a Tennessee sports betting site. If you’re ready to rock and roll, just follow the below instructions and you’ll be placing bets in next to no time!
Before you do anything else, decide upon a sportsbook. Use the list at the top of this page to help you determine which of our secure sites is best for you.
Once you’ve loaded the homepage, there will be a button marked “Join” or “Register”. Click on this to open the signup form.
Fill out each of the required fields with personal data such as your name, address and telephone number. These are required by the regulatory body in order for the sportsbook to maintain its license, so don’t be alarmed.
Pay attention to the rules of the welcome bonus. Some online betting sites in TN require a special code on the registration form. If they don’t ask for that, one of two things might happen. Either they present a list of bonuses to choose from at a later date, or you’ll enter the promo code when depositing.
Now that you’re all set up, it’s time to put some cash into your betting wallet. Open the cashier page and find your ideal payment method from the list of options. Follow the instructions to make your first deposit.
Finally, after the transaction is completed, you can begin betting. Browse through the sportsbook options using the navigation menu. You can add your picks to the betslip by clicking on the odds. Enter a stake and confirm your first bet. Good luck!
Sports Betting Payment Methods
You won’t be able to wager at a Tennessee sports betting site if you can’t fund your account. That’s why all of the best mobile sportsbooks offer a varied selection of fast, convenient and secure banking methods.
Here are some of the most common deposit and withdrawal options found at betting companies in the Volunteer State.
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
Paypal
Skrill
Neteller
Paysafecard
EcoPayz
Bank Transfers
Cryptocurrency
Responsible Gambling in TN
Unfortunately, for a minority of people, betting on sports can become problematic. If you are struggling with gambling, or you know someone who might be, contact any of the following groups. They offer all kinds of support services to help you regain control.
Gamblers Anonymous. This widely known 12-step program has been in use since 1957, helping people regain control of both alcohol and gambling addiction. Check out gamblersanonymous.org to discover your local group.
Tennessee REDLINE. A hotline set up by the Tennessee Association for Alcohol, Drug and other Addiction Services (TAADAS) in 1989. Call any time of day, seven days a week, on 1-800-889-9789 for counseling, treatment and other advice.
National Problem Gambling Helpline. This nationwide helpline is also available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 1-800-522-4700. Alternatively, you can find out more by visiting ncpgambling.org.
Useful Tools
In Tennessee, sports betting sites take social responsibility very seriously. Not only do they work to protect vulnerable people from the dangers of gambling, such as those under the age of 21. But they also implement a wide range of tools to assist those who could potentially develop a problem.
Some or all of the following responsible gambling tools are available at the best sportsbooks in TN.
Time Limit. Configure reminders to let you know when you’ve been using a betting site for a long period of time.
Deposit Limit. Define the amount of money you’re comfortable losing in advance and the bookmaker will block further deposits after reaching that number.
Loss Limit. Spread betting sites like Pointsbet usually allow you to cap the potential losses on certain bet types.
Time Out. Sometimes, it’s best to take an enforced break from wagering for a few days until you cool down. You’ll be denied access to the account, but you won’t be permanently restricted.
Self Exclusion. This extreme measure is a last resort. You won’t be able to log in for and attempts to open new accounts will be blocked, permanently if you desire. If you later wish to return once the exclusion expires, you cannot do so without first taking an assessment.
FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Tennessee?
Yes, but only online. 2019’s Sports Gaming Act set out a mobile-only sports betting framework for Tennessee and since November 2020, online wagers are legal. There are no plans to open up retail sportsbooks anytime soon.
What is the legal age to place a bet in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, sports betting is only legal for people who are at least 21 years old.
Can I bet on college sports in Tennessee?
You are allowed to place bets on college sports in the Volunteer State, but a few markets are restricted. Bets on individual players are not permitted in college games, for instance. Live props are also forbidden in Tennessee. But anything else is fair game.
Is it legal to bet with offshore sportsbooks in Tennessee?
Technically, it is not legal to bet with offshore sports betting companies in Tennessee. However, many international sites do accept new players from the USA and in practice, it cannot be stopped. Many Tennesseans regularly bet safely with offshore bookmakers.
What are the best Tennessee sports betting sites?
There are plenty to choose from, but we’ve listed our favorites right here in this guide to Tennessee sports betting. Simply scroll to the top of the article to see our preferred betting brand!
Online sports betting is a fast-growing phenomenon across the US. More and more states are legalizing online sports betting which makes mobile betting available to the broad public. With the rise of sports betting in mind we where curious what the best sports betting apps are in the US. Browse this guide to learn more ..
