David Cooper | January 4, 2023 | Updated on: January 8th, 2024
The only permitted gambling in Tennessee is the state lottery. Other than that, there is no other form of gambling that is accepted in this state. There are no casinos in Tennessee where players can go and play casino games and win real money. Even the state lottery was only put into law in 2002 when voters approved an amendment to the constitution.
If Tennessee residents want to play casino games, some centres offer transport to go to neighboring states where they can visit local casinos. The residents on the east side can go to Tunica in Mississippi. For the residents on the west side, you can visit the Harrah’s Casino in North Carolina. An option for Nashville residents is to go to Illinois, Indiana or Ohio.
The state does not permit any horse racing, but for those interested, they can go to Kentucky, where it is off-track and live horse betting. If you are interested in knowing where the centres that take gambler to other state casinos read our guide below.
Best Tennessee Casino Sites
Min Deposit: $25
Min Deposit: $10
Min Deposit: $25
Min Deposit: $25
State Gambling Laws
Any form of gambling is not permitted in Tennessee. Which means that there are no casinos in Tennessee or gambling venues in the state. The state defines gambling as “risking anything of value for a profit whose return is to any degree contingent on chance.”
However, the lottery does not fall under that since it is legal in the state. It is managed and regulated by the government.
In 2016, there was a bill that was signed int law allowing the legalization of daily fantasy sports betting.
Then in 2019, another bill was signed legalizing sports betting, but the Tennessee Lottery Corporation is still to provide rules and regulations that will allow gambling in the state.
In order to participate in gambling, you have to be 18 years and older. Should the state find individual gambling in the state, they will be charged with a misdemeanor.
Types of Tennessee Gambling – State Lottery
As we have mentioned, the only gambling allowed in the state is the lottery. There are variations of lotto games that gamblers can bet on, which includes lotto tickets and scratchies. You will be able to play games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash 3 and 4, Hot Lotto and Tennessee Cash.
On average, the lottery payout is around $1 million. The participation in the lottery is very low, with a few residents showing interest.
Online Gambling
It is not explicitly illegal to take part in online gambling in Tennessee. However, the daily fantasy sports betting sites do operate in the state offering their services. If you don’t understand the Tennessee gambling laws, instead ask a professional lawyer to explain what the laws mean and if they are legal or not.
So far, there has been no player who was lawfully charged for playing at offshore casinos and sports betting sites, which leads to residents assuming that online gambling is legal.
FAQs About Gambling in Tennessee
Tennessee doesn’t have any casinos and racetracks. Gambling is considered illegal therefore if residents are interested in gambling, they have to visit neighboring states.
The Tennessee lottery offers scratch cards and lottery. The lottery includes interstate jackpots such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
Nashville is located in the state of Tennessee and there are no casinos in the state including Nashville. Residents have to travel to Tunica in Mississippi where there are nine available gambling facilities.
Tennessee allows daily fantasy sports betting sites to offer their services in Tennessee. DraftKings and FanDuel are offering their services to Tennessee residents.
Tennessee has not legalized slot machines in the state. The law prohibits games of chance such as the slot machines.
Anyone who is 18 years and older can take part in gambling which is on the state lottery, sports betting and daily fantasy sites.
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