Gambling Age In Tennessee

Minimum Age: 21

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Tennessee, the minimum legal age is 21 for sports betting and 19 for the state lottery, as set by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council and Tennessee Code § 4-51-101. This reflects an online-only gambling framework in a conservative state.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is limited to a state lottery and charitable bingo, generating a $200 million market. No casinos or retail sports betting exist, offering no slot catalogs compared to your 3,250+ interest. Cultural acceptance is low, driven by a $400 billion economy and conservative values. No retail betting bills were proposed in 2024.

Online Gambling: Online sports betting is legal since 2020, with apps like FanDuel generating $400 million in 2024, making Tennessee one of two states with online-only betting. Online casinos and poker are illegal, with a $150 million unregulated offshore market driven by 85% smartphone penetration. Players face no prosecutions, and no website blocking is enforced. No online casino bills were proposed in 2024, and 2025 legalization is unlikely.

Regulation and Oversight: The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council regulates sports betting, with the lottery separately managed. No casino or online casino framework exists, unlike Kahnawake’s model. Tennessee’s $600 million gambling economy is growing, with 2024 updates enhancing mobile oversight. 2025 will focus on sports betting optimization.

Enforcement and Penalties: Tennessee enforces regulations moderately, with fines up to $25,000 or license revocation for operators. Players face no penalties for offshore use. Rural enforcement is weak in the Smoky Mountains. The $150 million unregulated market is projected to grow 4% in 2025, driven by mobile access, but legalization faces conservative opposition.