Online Casinos for players from Tennessee in 2024

Introduction

Tennessee is one of the US states that has always taken a staunch position against any form of gambling. While the Volunteer State began as a passionate opponent against all things gambling, from in-person casinos to racetracks to online casinos, they have quickly turned a dime for the better.

They allowed sports betting in 2019, but land-based and online casino gaming is still illegal. Be that as it may, you can still enjoy your favorite online casino games at social casinos for free. In this guide, we dive into the current legal state of online casinos in Tennessee and the legal gaming options available for players in the state.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Tennessee?

The Volunteer State isn't exactly rolling out the red carpet for online casino action. As it stands, real-money online casinos are still illegal, and you won't find any brick-and-mortar joints either. But don't throw in the towel yet because the game's changing. May 2019 saw Tennessee flip the script on online sports betting, making it legal and regulated. That's right; you can now get your sports wagering fix at legitimate online bookies.

However, the state is not playing around when it comes to illegal gambling. They've slapped it with a Class C misdemeanor label, and if you get caught, you could be looking at a fine. But there is a silver lining. If you're 18 or older, you can legally hit up social and sweepstakes casino sites. These platforms let you play for fun, and you can even score some cash prizes or gift cards by redeeming those premium coins.

Now, title 47 of the Tennessee Code lays down the law on sweepstakes operations. First, you can't pay to win a prize, which needs to land in your lap within 30 days. You shouldn't buy those premium coins (aka Sweeps Coins) directly. But you can snag them through bonuses or earn them when you buy Gold Coins. Use those Sweeps Coins on slots and table games, and if you win, you can redeem them for real money or gift cards. The Sports Wagering Council (SWC) is responsible for monitoring the online sports betting scene in Tennessee. These guys are making sure you're betting on legit, licensed sites.

Land-Based casinos? Not in Tennessee. The state coffers are dry when it comes to brick-and-mortar casinos. There are no retail joints, racinos, cardrooms, or tribal casinos in sight. If you're itching for some real casino action, you'll have to hit the road. We're talking Kentucky, Missouri, or Virginia if you're lucky. For you eastern folks, Harrah's Cherokee River Valley is just a hop and a skip away. For free booze and a no-questions-asked smoking environment, visit Tunica, Mississippi. As some players vent online about the lack of free drinks, you’ll be having fun without a care.

 If you can't make the trip, don't sweat it. Sweepstake sites like WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, and Chumba Casino offer online action. They aren't exactly real money joints, but they're safer and might just scratch that gambling itch.

Tennessee Recommended Online Sports Books

Legal Online Gambling Options in Tennessee

Players in Tennessee might not have the whole online gaming buffet, but there's still plenty to feast on. Here are alternatives to online casinos:

• Online sports betting: Sports fans can crank up their excitement by betting on their favorite teams online. Tennessee has legit bookies where you can throw down singles or go wild with parlays on pro and college sports. You can also get in on national and international matches, too.
• Daily Fantasy Sports: DFS has been strutting its stuff legally in TN since 2016, and it's the second most popular online gaming option after sports betting. You just need to pick your dream lineup, jump into contests, and chase those real-money prizes.
• Horse race betting: You can legally participate in pari-mutuel betting pools at tracks across the US. A handful of sites in Tennessee are legally allowed to take your bets.
• Lottery: Since 2004, Tennessee has allowed gamblers to participate in state scratch-offs, drawings, and prizes. And if you're feeling extra lucky, you can dip your toes into intra-state pools.

Tennessee Recommended Online Poker Rooms

Is There Hope for Online Casino Legalization in Tennessee?

The Volunteer State is yet to show signs of accepting online casino action, so don’t count the days. While sports betting has been making waves, the state still gives digital casinos the cold shoulder. Sports betting has been blowing up in the Volunteer State. But let's not forget it almost got the boot back in 2019. Governor Bill Lee let that bill slide through without his sign, muttering something about it not having Tennessee's interest at heart. And in the Senate, the bill squeaked through in a 19-12 vote.

Fast forward to 2021, and some bright legislators tried to push for brick-and-mortar casinos with the bill HJR 0093. But while such a proposal gains momentum in Missouri, this one lost it before it even began. Looking ahead, getting online casinos through would be a tough feat. The House and Senate will have to play ball, and then the governor will have to sign off. And let's face it, the legislature has not been so warm to casino bills.

To top it off, the current Gov. Lee has been quoted terming casino gambling as a dangerous vice. So, as disappointing as it sounds, online casinos in Tennessee are not likely to get a legal nod anytime soon. With many other states going all-in on online casino legalization, maybe Tennessee will one day decide to level up and join the party.

Tennessee Recommended Online Bingo Rooms

Depositing and Withdrawing when in TN

Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.

US-TN Online Casinos Deposit & Withdrawal Grades View All

Summary

The outlook for regulated online casinos in Tennessee isn't promising. Besides sports betting, the Volunteer State's gambling scene is lacking. But don't give up yet. If you're itching to spin some virtual slots or hit the digital blackjack tables, social and sweepstakes casinos are your ace in the hole. And not to forget other legal games like daily fantasy sports, the lottery, and horse racing.

We're not saying online casinos will not be legal in Tennessee, but it's a long shot. Maybe the sports betting boom and casino fever in other states will light a fire and sway the legislature at the Volunteer State to join the bandwagon. But for now, you'll have to be content with the current options.

Blacklisted Casinos to Avoid for Players in Tennessee View All

Written by: Michael Shackleford