As the Super Bowl approaches, the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC) is underscoring the importance of engaging in legal sports betting within the state. It is illegal for anyone to place wagers using unlicensed sportsbooks while in Tennessee.
The SWC is collaborating with law enforcement agencies at both state and federal levels to eliminate illegal sportsbooks, which include platforms like BetOnline.ag, BetUs.com.pa, MyBookie.ag, and Sportsbetting.ag. Bovada.lv has been restricted in Tennessee following the issuance of cease and desist letters and a $50,000 fine.
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Illegal sportsbooks can often be identified by their practices, which are prohibited in Tennessee. These include extending credit, using cryptocurrency for wagering, and offering casino games or chance-based wagers like the coin toss or the color of the Gatorade.
Executive Director Mary Beth Thomas warns that offshore sportsbooks, which may appear legitimate, pose significant risks. These platforms violate state and federal laws by moving money across borders, and they may not adequately protect bettors’ financial and personal information. Additionally, funds may be at risk of being withheld or lost without recourse.
Thomas urges bettors to ensure they wager legally by checking the SWC’s website for a list of licensed sportsbooks in Tennessee. Licensed operators offer consumer protections, hold reserves to pay wagers, and safeguard personal information. They also adhere to state regulations, such as prohibiting individuals under 21 from wagering and not allowing wagering on credit.
Tennessee is the largest “online-only” sports betting market in the United States, with over $4.5 billion wagered annually through SWC-licensed online sportsbooks.
The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council is committed to safeguarding the public interest by ensuring a regulated sports gambling environment. The council is responsible for licensing online sports wagering operators, sports wagering vendors, and fantasy sports operators, as well as enforcing compliance with relevant state gaming laws and assessing state privilege taxes on sportsbooks.
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