Internet Betting

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 forbade placing, receiving, or otherwise knowingly transmitting a wager or a betting by means of the internet. Thus, although it did not directly outlaw the US online gambling sites, it prohibited all American financial institutions from performing transactions with them.

  1. Online sports betting is live and active with DraftKings, FanDuel and Unibet to name a few. Players have the option of placing bets in person or online via the website and mobile app. Here’s a rundown of legal.
  2. A sports betting operator license allows a person to operate, conduct or offer internet sports betting. An internet gaming operator license allows a person or entity to operate, conduct or offer internet gaming.

Is Sports Betting Legal In New York?

New York sports betting has taken a turn in the right direction, but there’s still more work to do to catch up with its neighbors.

As of January 2019, New York State offers physical sportsbooks. The closest in-state option to New York City is Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, while most of the rest are located in Upstate New York toward Binghamton, Syracuse, and Albany.

Mobile Sports Betting In New York Update

While the state has yet to legalize online sports betting, it was discussed as part of an emergency revenue-raising strategy in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nothing came of the measure, but a new glimmer of hope emerged in January of 2021. However, it came with a catch. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo voiced his intent to support mobile sports betting in the state. The catch? He wants a lottery-run sports betting monopoly.

It remains to be seen what form mobile sports betting could take in The Empire State, but the Governor’s change of stance on the topic certainly bodes well for New York sports betting.

According to State Senator Joseph Addabbo, the senator spearheading the campaign to bring mobile sports betting to New York, there is a possibility that mobile sports betting could become legal. In October 2020, NY Sports Day interviewed Sen. Addabbo about the chances and he seemed positive. It’s likely that Sen. Addabbo will be bringing legislation forward in January 2021 in order to see mobile sports betting added to the New York State budget before an April 1, 2021 deadline.

Addabbo clearly recognizes the importance of mobile betting to the New York economy. New York online sports betting could help plug a multi-billion dollar budget deficit that was exacerbated during 2020. Mobile sports betting could bring in $900 million annually in state revenue.

Governor Cuomo, thus far, has stood in the way of progress on this front, finding any movement on gambling in New York State would require an amendment to the state Constitution. He seems to have changed his tune as of June 2020. The mobile sports betting bill passed the state senate by a vote of 57-5, so at this point, Governor Cuomo’s signature is the final hurdle.

On January 20, 2021, State Senator Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow’s bill is making progress. The legislation was voted out of committee, indicating strong support from the Assembly and State Senate. Cuomo still supports the lottery-run model, however, so it remains to be seen how far this bill will progress before New York lawmakers must decide between the two formats.

On January 26, 2021, Spectrum Gaming Group released a study in conjunction with the Ney York Gaming Commission. The study outlined possible reasons for bringing mobile sports betting to the Empire State along with recommendations for adding new casinos to the downstate region.

Current NY Online Sportsbook App Options

While waiting for mobile sports betting in New York, it is possible to sign up at these online sportsbooks in New York and bet in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.

If you would like to place wagers online or via a sportsbook app, your best choice is to sign-up and deposit while in New York and cross the border into New Jersey or Pennsylvania to place your bets. New users at DraftKings get a 20% deposit bonus up to $1000. This is likely a faster option than going to any of the physical New York sportsbooks which are listed below.

A great option for NY players that are willing to travel to New Jersey to place bets. New users at Sugarhouse sportsbook get 100% up to $250 dollars with a 1x wager requirement. This is a great bonus for players looking for a solid sportsbook with an easy to get bonus.

Download In New York And Bet In New Jersey

Here are all of the mobile sportsbooks that licensed in New Jersey and available to New Yorkers once they are inside of New Jersey state lines:

  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • PointsBet
  • SugarHouse Sportsbook
  • BetMGM Sportsbook
  • William Hill
  • 888 Sport
  • Caesars Sportsbook
  • FOX Bet
  • Hard Rock Sportsbook
  • Golden Nugget Sportsbook
  • BetAmerica
  • Bet365 NJ
  • theScore Bet
  • Borgata Sports
  • Unibet Sport

Live New York Sportsbook Locations

For the time being, New York sports betting locations are limited to land-based casinos. Legally, New Yorkers cannot yet place a bet online or at an off-track betting (OTB) facility.

Here are all the casino locations currently accepting NY sports bets. We’ve also included whether there’s a New Jersey sportsbook app for those who find themselves in the Garden State.

Casino SportsbookLocationDistance From ManhattanNJ App?
Resorts World CatskillsMonticello90.8 MilesBet365
Rivers CasinoSchenectady161 Miles BetRivers Sportsbook
Tioga Downs CasinoNichols216 MilesFanDuel Sportsbook
Turning StoneVerona254 MilesCaesars Sportsbook
Yellow Brick RoadChittenango265 MilesCaesars Sportsbook
del Lago ResortWaterloo276 MilesDraftKings Sportsbook
Point Place CasinoBridgeport268 MilesCaesars Sportsbook
Akwesasne Mohawk CasinoHogansburg370 MilesFOX Bet

Top 3 Best Sportsbooks In New York State

DraftKings Sportsbook

There is simply no avoiding the two most successful mobile sportsbook apps, FanDuel and DraftKings. They’re producing successful results in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania that hit too close to home for New York to ignore.

In fact, DraftKings currently operates a sportsbook app in seven of the legal online betting states. Now, success in other states notwithstanding, DraftKings has an affiliation on their side. DraftKings sportsbook app in New Jersey is under the sports betting license of Resorts World.

This is the same Resorts World that operates three casinos in New York. One of their locations is the Resorts World Catskills, and it’s one of the legal sportsbook venues in New York.

Due to DraftKings’s massive customer base, proven track record, and ties to current New York sportsbook operations, they’re at the top of any list of candidates for New York mobile sportsbook app providers.

Plus, the DraftKings app in other states is currently pushing $1,000 worth of new accounts and first deposit incentives, so it can’t come soon enough.

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel has just as strong a chance of gaining access to New York’s mobile sports betting market as its daily fantasy sports (DFS) rival DraftKings. They’re currently operating successful mobile sportsbook apps in five states, with bordering New Jersey and Pennsylvania being two of them.

One of the current physical FanDuel sportsbook locations in New York is at the Tioga Downs Casino Resort. FanDuel provides all sportsbook operations at this venue.

Already having skin in the New York sports betting game should certainly bode well for FanDuel. And the fact that they have overwhelmed their competition right across the border in New Jersey will be a huge factor as well.

FanDuel and DraftKings have a huge sportsbook app presence already established across the country. One or both operate in nearly every state where online betting is legal, and their DFS platforms are the far and wide leaders. They also provide the logistic platform for a number of brick-and-mortar sportsbook facilities, including at a couple of New York sportsbooks.

When FanDuel does launch its sportsbook app, FanDuel will almost certainly pass along the same $500 risk-free first bet opportunity it offers in other states.

Rivers Sportsbook

BetRivers doesn’t have the kind of name recognition as FanDuel and DraftKings. But their mobile app is offered in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, and Colorado.

So whenever New York decides to allow online sports betting, you can expect the BetRivers app to be one of the choices.

In the meantime, you can head to Schenectady, NY; Philadelphia, PA; or Pittsburgh, PA to experience the Rivers Sportsbook in person. It’s the same odds you’ll find on their highly popular sports betting website. And you can use the odds picker to make your selection ahead of time.

At the Schenectady location, you can bet via 14 self-serve kiosks or six betting windows. They have close to two dozen TVs, luxury seating, and food and drink service.

Not too shabby, but we’re holding out for the online version. In New Jersey, the BetRivers app will double your first deposit up to $250.

The Recent History Of New York State’s Sports Betting Legislation

Brick-And-Mortar Sportsbooks

New York’s legislators approved regulations for sports betting at physical locations in January 2019.

After watching New Jersey’s success, lawmakers realized that revenue was simply walking across the proverbial state line. When Pennsylvania legalized sportsbooks, the problem compounded. The idea that New York would hand over much-needed financial revenue seemed senseless to all residents and sports fans alike.

Nevertheless, it took roughly a year to open the first sportsbook. But in October 2019, folks in Upstate New York could finally place legal sports bets.

Even though New York was the 14th state to permit sports betting, it restricted sportsbook venues to four upstate casinos. They included no provisions in the legislation for mobile betting. Many were scratching their heads at this development.

Online Sportsbooks Apps

While lawmakers saw the success of other states that came before them, they seemed to ignore the numbers. In June 2019, Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. attempted to amend the sports betting bill to include online wagering.

The bill passed the New York Senate by a 57 to 5 vote. However, Governor Cuomo vetoed the bill. There was overwhelming support for an online amendment to the final sports betting legislation, but Cuomo publicly said he would not approve it.

To date, there seems to be little progress toward opening up New York to mobile sports bettors. New Jersey specifically showed tremendous promise from each licensed sportsbook app operating in the state. Eighty percent of the betting revenue was generated online.

Why So Much Resistance From The Governor?

The path to legal sports betting in New York was bumpy. Clearly, the process of including mobile sportsbook apps is proving even more difficult. Nearly all the resistance comes from the governor’s office. Most who hope to change his mind are at a loss for any actual reason.

Governor Cuomo’s black eye in a battle with two prominent sportsbook players, FanDuel and DraftKings, may be part of the issue. Cuomo lost that battle to have each of these daily fantasy sports (DFS) companies ruled illegal in his state, and both offer DFS in NYS today.

While there is no direct evidence pointing to any personal animosity, it would seem his resistance to online sports betting is a reality. And some assume it stems from his administration’s legal defeat.

As New York faces extreme financial hardship due to COVID-19 and other factors, it would seem like a time to put petty differences aside. And there is some hope from the final outcome of the New York vs. DFS legal squabble.

The governor ultimately did sign the law in August 2016, which ruled that daily DFS contests are not a form of gambling. There were rumors that Cuomo was going to veto that bill, but he didn’t.

Regardless, since The United States Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting in 2013, New York’s highest office has displayed reluctance toward welcoming mobile sportsbook operations with open arms. In fact, it’s been essentially a no-go proposition.

In his defense, Cuomo insists that legal mobile sports betting would require amending the New York State Constitution. Despite a collective bipartisan disagreement on that being legal truth, that’s really the only bonafide reason the governor presented.

The governor also floated the idea that he had reservations about everyone being able to bet from their phone. During a radio interview, Cuomo wasn’t pressed on his reasoning behind that substance-lacking excuse.

Problem gambling in his state seemed to be the impetus behind his concerns. However, lawmakers have already visited this problem inside the legislation. The bill to amend the legal sports betting law included 14 points to deal with problem gambling issues.

While lawmakers have apparently tried to dot all their i’s and cross all their t’s, Cuomo still voices resistance to mobile sportsbooks. However, the staff at the New York Treasurer’s Office may be whispering to him that a new wind of change needs to be in the air.

Could Change Be In The Air?

New York was in bad financial straits before the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the state is staring down the face of bankruptcy after COVID-19 has devastated its already bleak monetary outlook.

There isn’t a single state currently allowing legal sports bets that hasn’t benefited financially from the decision. New York lawmakers realized that when they agreed to open physical locations.

Nevertheless, there is no disputing the massive amount of betting handle that is wagered using mobile devices. Reports surfaced last year that Senator Addabbo was pushing his mobile app legislation, and 84 lawmakers supported the idea.

Can New Yorkers Bet Using New Jersey Sports Betting Apps?

New Jersey is one of the most liberal states when it comes to online gambling. They currently offer online sportsbooks, online casinos, and poker sites, which covers all the bases.

On the online sports betting front, New Jersey has at least 17 different sportsbook options. The state also does not require you to register in-person, which means you can download the app and sign up for an account from New York State (or anywhere else in the country).

However, you do need to be physically located in New Jersey to place a bet through the online sportsbooks.

Physical New York Sportsbooks Are Online In New Jersey

As painful as that fact may be, all the top sportsbooks in New York State are available to bettors in the Garden State – and they don’t need to leave home to wager. But there’s good news.

If you’re willing to enter New Jersey to bet, you can participate in the welcome bonuses, place bets, and withdraw your winnings despite being an NYS resident. The only requirements are that you’re at least 21 years old and you’re within New Jersey state lines.

Is It Legal For New Yorkers To Bet In New Jersey?

Yes, it is completely legal for you to travel to New Jersey and bet online. You don’t even need to leave your car. Just make sure location tracking is turned on in the app, pull over somewhere safe, place your bet, then head on home.

If you’re closer to the New Jersey border than you are to a New York sportsbook, this is likely the easiest way to place a legal bet. The same is true for New York State residents who live close to the Pennsylvania border.

New York Sports Betting: Everything You Can And Can’t Bet On

Sports You Can Bet On In New York

You can bet on all forms of professional and out-of-state collegiate sporting events listed at the sportsbook. You can also bet on international competitions, from Korean baseball to French soccer.

The most popular sporting events for folks in New York include:

  • Super Bowl
  • World Series
  • NCAA March Madness
  • The World Cup

The professional New York and New Jersey teams that inspire the most betting are:

  • New York Knicks
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • New York City FC
  • New York Mets
  • New York Rangers
  • Buffalo Bills
  • Buffalo Sabres
  • New York Islanders
  • New Jersey Devils

Sports Wagers Not Offered In New York By Law

You cannot bet on in-state college athletics in New York State. That means powerhouses like Syracuse, Buffalo, and Army are strictly off-limits.

You also can’t bet on high school sports or any sport with participants under the age of 18 (like esports).

What Are The Types Of Sports Bets Available In New York?

As long as you’re not betting on in-state colleges and universities, everything else is fair game. You can bet as much as the sportsbook is willing to accept as well. And you should be able to wager for as little as $1.00 or less.

The specific types of bets might depend on the sportsbook. But all of the sports betting outlets in New York State offer the following options:

Internet Betting Website

  • Moneyline
  • Points Spread
  • Totals (Over/Under)
  • Futures
  • Prop Bets
  • Parlays/Accumulators

All New York sportsbooks also offer in-game (AKA live) betting, where you can place a bet on a game after it’s begun.

Beyond those options, things get a bit more nuanced. Specific sports have specific types of bets. For example, the Grand Salami for hockey. Some sportsbooks will offer teasers and pleasers, others won’t.

You can call ahead to see what’s on offer before driving to a casino. Many sportsbooks also have a “bet builder” tool on their website so you can determine your bets ahead of time.

Are There Bonuses At Physical Sportsbooks In New York?

No, not in the same sense as an online sportsbook bonus. The casino may have some promotional offers, such as a spin for a prize when you sign up for their reward program.

But the “first deposit” and “risk-free” bet offered by Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers are not offered at the physical location. When online sports betting comes to New York, you’ll have your pick of numerous bonus offers.

However, it’s still worthwhile to sign up for the rewards programs. You can earn points that can be used toward hotel stays, tickets to shows, free meals, and other special offers.

Is It Worth It To Use Illegal Sports Betting Sites?

No. Some people will beg to differ with us on that, but it’s just not.

Offshore betting sites are breaking New York State law. In fact, their lack of oversight allows them to offer their services practically anywhere. The question is: What else can these websites do with impunity? When a bettor doesn’t have any real recourse if there’s a dispute, that’s an unsafe betting site, period.

What’s to say your personal information is safe? Will you be paid out your winnings? Are the bonus terms and conditions reasonable, or are they designed to rip you off?

You can do research, read reviews, and weigh the risks. But at the end of the day, isn’t gambling risky enough? Do you really want to add potentially joining an illegitimate website into the mix?

It’s understandable that someone might consider offshore alternatives. If you just want to put ten bucks on the game you’re watching, it’s probably not worth it to get in the car and drive to Chittenango, NY, or the New Jersey border.

But the safest answer isn’t to join an illegal site. The safest choice is to not bet on the game.

Remember to Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you think you have a gambling problem.

Sports Betting In NY – Common Questions

Yes. In January 2019, New York State legalized sports betting, and the first locations opened in October 2019. New York currently prohibits online sports betting in every form except for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). But New York residents can travel to New Jersey or Pennsylvania to legally place online sports bets.

Technically, yes. But no casino in New York City offers sports betting, and OTB facilities cannot host sports betting.

In fact, the state’s largest casino, Resorts World at JFK Airport, does not host a sportsbook.

Free Online Betting Sites

That means New Yorkers need to travel upstate or into neighboring states to place a legal sports bet.

If you are physically located within New Jersey, you are able to place online bets via any of the New Jersey sportsbook apps. You are allowed to sign-up and deposit while in New York but sports betting apps check your location (via GPS) when placing a bet.

How big would the NY online sports betting market be?

We estimate that NY online sports betting would bring $900 million dollars in annual revenue and up to $1.3 billion if skins are allowed. New York would quickly become one of the largest online sports betting markets in the United States.

What is the age requirement for sports betting in New York?

Between 18 and 21. At New York State tribal casinos, the gambling age is 18. At commercial casinos, the gambling age is 21. You’ll still need to be 21 at the tribal casinos to purchase alcohol or gain access to some events.

Yes. But not if any of the competitors are under the age of 18, which may be why you rarely find esport contests listed at American sportsbooks.

The most prominent professional teams employ the best players in the world, many of which are under 18. But it is possible to see bets on the highest profile tournaments, such as the League of Legends World Championship.

All professional and collegiate level sports except for in-state schools. You can bet on all major leagues in the US and internationally. All NCAA contests are also fair game unless they involve schools like Syracuse, Buffalo, and so on. You cannot bet on amateur or high school sports, the weather, TV, or politics either.

Yes, as long as no in-state schools are playing. That means most Division 1 NCAA schools are fair game. And if you are betting on out-of-state schools, you should be able to place all the same bets as you would on a professional sport, including in-game betting.

But betting on college football games that feature Syracuse, Buffalo, Army, or any other in-state school are explicitly not allowed.

Are there taxes on gambling winnings in New York?

Yes. You’ll need to pay the 24% federal income tax as well as New York income tax on net gambling winnings. This includes anything won at the casino, sportsbook, or lottery. You also may need to pay an additional city tax depending on where you live in the New York Metropolitan Area.

Is the DraftKings Sportsbook available in New York?

Yes, the physical DraftKings Sportsbook has a presence in New York. You can find the DraftKings sportsbook at del Lago Resort, which is located in the Finger Lakes region.

DraftKings does not yet have an app available in New York. They’ll need to wait until the state greenlights online sports betting.

Is the FanDuel Sportsbook available in New York?

Yes. The FanDuel Sportsbook is available in Tioga Downs Casino in Nichols, New York, a racino that offers both casino games and sports betting as well as on-site horse racing.

However, the FanDuel Sportsbook app can only be used if you travel to Pennsylvania or New Jersey, where online sports betting is legal.

Tennessee legalized sports betting when Governor Bill Lee allowed Tennessee House Bill 1to become law without a signature. Although online gambling in Tenessee is relatively limited, legal online sports betting is imminent. Four operators have been granted licenses to offer sportsbooks in The Volunteer State, and online sports betting launched on November 1, 2020.

Almost every state with legal sports betting requires operators to have a land-based partner in order to offer their product in the market. Tennessee is unique among its counterparts in that it allows online-only sportsbooks. The move makes sense, considering there are no land-based casinos anywhere in the state.

With four operators ready to go and more certainly right behind them, Tennessee is staged to be a hotspot for online sports betting in the US.

Legal Online Sportsbooks In Tennessee

Tennessee launched full-fledged online sports betting sites on November 1, 2020. Four operators debuted in the first wave of Tennessee sportsbooks.

Here are the live online sportsbooks in Tennessee along with the bonuses they offer for new players:

  • FanDuel Sportsbook: Up to $1000 bonus here.
  • BetMGM: Up to $500 bonus here
  • DraftKings Sportsbook: Up to $1000 bonus here.
  • Action 24/7: Up to $100 bonus

See our complete guide to Online Gambling In Tennessee.

Tennessee Online Sportsbooks

Tennessee’s online-only sportsbook landscape makes for a unique environment that will likely welcome a wide variety of sports betting companies. Right now, four sportsbooks have licenses to operate in Tennessee. Here’s a rundown of three of those operators, plus a few others we expect to join the market.

FanDuel TN Bonus: Claim a $1,000 risk-free bet at BetMGM.

New players can get up to a $1,000 rebate on their first bet made at FanDuel Sportsbook. There’s no need for a code when depositing to unlock this $1,000 risk-free bet offer. Use our link above.

No discussion of online sports betting is complete without FanDuel. The company has a license to operate in Tennessee right alongside its rival DraftKings. FanDuel has a variety of betting markets, key partnership deals, and great welcome promotions.

BetMGM

BetMGM TN Bonus: Claim a $500 deposit bonus at BetMGM.

BetMGM offers a decent new player bonus offer. Enter “TOPBONUS100″ to claim up to a $500 deposit match bonus at BetMGM Tennessee.

BetMGM has carved out space in the sports betting industry as well. With a recent hotel development in Nashville and recently announced as the official sports betting partner of Tennessee Titans, MGM has a big presence in Tennessee. Online sports betting is certainly next, as BetMGM rounds out the list of licensed operators in Tennessee.

DraftKings

DraftKings TN Bonus Offer: Get a $1,000 deposit bonus when you sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook TN. The $1,000 bonus offer comes in the form of a combination of a deposit match bonus. Claim your $1,000 bonus at DraftKings Tennessee.

The DraftKings bonus offers in Tennessee include a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1000.

DraftKings is one of the first three operators to secure a sports betting license in The Volunteer State. The company is an undeniable sports betting leader, so it should come as no surprise that was one of the state’s first sportsbooks. DraftKings is known for its great bonuses, promotions, and betting pools.

Action 24/7

Action 24/7 TN Bonus Offer: Up to $100

Action 24/7 is currently Tennessee’s only in-state sportsbook operator. The Action 24/7 sportsbook features Tennessee-specific offers and special deals on in-state teams in addition to a full-fledged sports betting portfolio. There are also various free-to-play games on Action 24/7 that allow players to win cash, branded swag, and wagering credits. All-in-all, it’s a top-notch Tennessee sportsbook.

Sportsbooks That May Come To Tennessee

William Hill

William Hill is another major operator with online sportsbooks in a number of regulated markets. Tennessee presents a great opportunity for William Hill to launch an online-only offering.

PointsBet

PointsBet has been rising through the ranks of the sports betting world to become a true contender. Its presence in newly legalized states like Illinois and Colorado bodes well for a possible Tennessee launch.

Tennessee Online Sports Betting Apps

Betting

The possibilities in Tennessee are virtually limitless thanks to the state’s online-only sports betting law. Here is a list of TN sports betting apps likely to launch by early 2021.

  • Action 247
  • Bet365
  • PointsBet
  • Barstool Sports
  • William Hill

Tennessee Online Sports Betting Bonuses

Bonuses are beneficial to sports bettors in every state, but Tennessee may prove a hotbed for lucrative promotions and offers. Sportsbooks will be online only, meaning customers will have no existing preference based on a casino partner or loyalty program. Instead, bettors will have their pick of the litter when it comes to deciding which sportsbook to use. It’s a safe bet that the site with the best offers will pull ahead. Here are common promotions and Tennessee sports betting bonuses to keep an eye out for.

Deposit Match Bonus

Deposit matches are offered at many online sports betting sites. They essentially increase your account fund the first time you make a deposit. For example, DraftKings offers a 20% deposit match up to $500. If you deposit $2,500, you can claim the full bonus amount. Casual bettors may wish to deposit less upfront, and that’s okay–even a more modest $200 deposit would get you a $40 bonus credit.

You usually have to bet a certain amount to claim deposit bonuses. In most states, DraftKings requires you to bet $25 to claim $1 of the deposit match credit.

Check for special deals, too. Some sportsbooks will offer deposit matches on your first two or three deposits if you’re lucky.

Risk-Free Bets

Lossback or risk-free bet bonuses give you some insurance on your first wager. You place a bet, and if it loses, the sportsbook refunds some or all of the initial bet and the bonus expires. If you win your bet, the bonus still expires.

Risk-free bets are especially beneficial to new players. They allow you to place a bet without worrying too much about losing. You’ll be able to familiarize yourself with the betting process and hopefully win some money.

FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings all offer risk-free bets to new players in most states in Tennessee. Check for terms and conditions, though. Sometimes you have to place the risk-free bet within a certain time window after signing up.

Refer A Friend

Referrals aren’t quite as common in sports betting as they are on horse race betting sites or online casinos. However, with Tennessee’s online-only approach, word of mouth and referrals could translate to new business for operators.

Refer a friend bonuses credit your account once a friend uses your link or email invite to sign up for a sportsbook and make a deposit or a wager. The bonus range varies, usually getting you and the referred bettor $50 to $100 either in site credit or as a single free bet.

No Deposit Bonus

This is the simplest bonus type. Just sign up for a sports betting account and the operator will give you a small stipend. It’s basically their way of thanking you for signing up, and the bonus amounts usually range from $5 to $30.

What Sports Can You Bet On In Tennessee?

Tennessee is embracing sports betting in a way few other states have by allowing online-only operators and placing no maximum on the number of operators in the state. This open stance toward sports gambling is reflected in the actual sports on offer. Tennessee doesn’t have many restrictions surrounding which sports operators can take bets on, making the state a progressive player in the industry.

Betting On US Pro Sports In Tennessee

Tennessee is no stranger to professional sports teams. The state is home to the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), Tennessee Titans (NFL), and Nashville Predators (NHL). The Nashville Soccer Club joined the Major League Soccer scene with its inaugural season this year.

Professional leagues will undoubtedly make up a huge slice of Tennessee’s sports betting revenue, including Super Bowl betting. The state’s only requirement is that sports betting operators purchase and use official league data for their available pro sports bets. That data enables things like in-play betting.

Tennessee College Sports Betting

College sports betting is allowed in Tennessee as well. Some states prohibit bettors from wagering on in-state college matches (even if the in-state school is playing elsewhere), but Tennessee has no such restriction. It’s a good thing, too, because the state has a widely popular college sports scene.

The only stipulation with regard to college betting is that live or in-play betting isn’t allowed. Otherwise, Tennessee bettors will be able to place bets on March Madness, the College Football Championship, and regular-season games.

Betting On International Sports In Tennessee

Globally popular sports like cricket, rugby, international soccer leagues, darts, and much more are available at Tennessee’s sportsbooks.

There’s no shortage of worldwide sports on most betting sites. Tennessee operators offer similar bets to those in other states.

The Olympics, one of the world’s biggest sporting events, will feature bets as well. Any event governed by a national or international organization is fair game. Tennessee will surely make use of that rule, especially when Olympic events and international competitions like the FIFA World Cup come around.

Tennessee Esports Betting

Esports betting is allowed by Tennessee’s sports betting law.

Other states that allow esports betting have specific restrictions in place to regulate it. For example, some laws require all participants in a given esports contest to be at least 18 years old. Given the young demographic that participates in esports tournaments, this could remove some wagering opportunities. It’s possible that Tennessee could put similar regulations in place.

What Else Can You Bet On At Tennessee Sportsbooks?

Tennessee law allows for a wide selection of sports bets. You name the sports, chances are you’ll be able to wager on it when Tennessee launches sports betting. MMA, UFC, NASCAR, and many other sports are available in the state.

Popular Deposit Methods For Tennessee Sportsbooks

The online and mobile sports betting framework that Tennessee has put in place creates an interesting landscape for payment methods. Because no land-based casinos are in the state, players won’t be able to deposit or withdraw in cash at a property. However, there are still plenty of payment options available in the Volunteer State.

PayPal

Internet betting on horse racing

PayPal is commonly accepted at sports betting sites and is available at Tennessee’s sportsbooks, too. The service allows you to deposit money into your sportsbook account with just a few clicks.

Credit And Debit Cards

Credit/debit cards are simple and effective. Pretty much every regulated US sportsbook accepts them, and Tennessee keeps up that trend. Use them with caution, though, because banks commonly decline sports betting transactions as a precautionary measure.

Prepaid Cards

Many sportsbook sites offer prepaid cards as an alternative method of payment. You can load the card with funds from your bank and use it at the sportsbook.

Online Banking

You can connect your bank account directly to your sports betting account for quick wire transfer payments or ACH deposits. Sportsbooks use high-level encryption to protect your data, making this method a fast and easy way to deposit funds.

Cash

Cash is actually the only deposit method not be available in Tennessee, given the absence of any land-based properties. Unless the state significantly changes its stance on casinos, you’re unlikely to find the cash deposit option at the state’s sportsbooks.

What Is The Biggest Online Sportsbook In Tennessee By Revenue?

Tennessee doesn’t have a leading sportsbook yet. Three of the current license holders–BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel–could reasonably take the top slot in The Volunteer State.

The first month of legal sports betting will likely yield an early leader in Tennessee. We will update this page as more revenue information becomes available.

What Do I Need To Create A Tennessee Sportsbook Account?

To register at Tennessee sportsbooks, apps will ask you for the following information:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone Number
  • Password (you’ll create one)
  • Last 4 digits of your SSN

From there, you’ll have to verify your location. Typically sportsbooks will use your phone’s built-in GPS to do this, but some require a separate geolocation app. You need to be within the state of Tennessee to place a bet, but you do not need to be a resident of the state.

If you want to place a bet right when you sign up, have your preferred deposit method ready. And don’t forget to check for special promotions and bonuses.

Legal Online Sportsbooks In Tennessee Versus Illegal Online Sportsbooks

There are myriad reasons to steer clear from offshore/grey market sportsbooks. You may encounter them as you search for Tennessee’s legal online sports betting sites, so be careful about which sites you visit.

Offshore sites are only beholden to the laws of the country where they base their operations. As a result, they’re very risky and should be avoided. There are a few key signs to look out for.

Licensing And Government Oversight

The Tennessee Lottery oversees all legal, regulated sportsbooks in Tennessee. If you’re unsure whether a specific sportsbook site is sanctioned by the state, scroll to the bottom. Legitimate and licensed sites include licensing information clearly visible on its site or app, and many will have links to more information. If this info is missing or particularly hard to find, chances are you’re on an offshore site.

Limited Options For Bets And Deposits

As mentioned above, Tennessee requires sportsbooks to use official league data. Offshore and grey market sites don’t have access to this data, so they won’t offer live, in-play, or proposition betting.

The same goes for deposit methods. Grey market sportsbooks often only provide one or two ways to deposit, and they don’t protect your data as well as regulated sites do.

Customer Support

Licensed sportsbooks almost always have 24/7 support available to customers. Offshore sites have limited customer service options, which can obviously be frustrating if you encounter an issue.

Tennessee Online Sportsbook FAQ

What is the legal online betting age in Tennessee?

21. Anyone 21 or older is able to place bets on Tennessee’s online sportsbooks.

Online sports betting sites request that new bettors confirm their identity and age using a government-issued form of identification or a Social Security Number.

Yes. Tennessee allows for online sports betting and DraftKings is one of three operators with a license to launch in the state. The DraftKings Tennessee app launched on November 1, 2020.

DraftKings is expected to be one of the major players on the Tennessee sports betting scene.

Yes. FanDuel is one of the few operators licensed to operate in Tennessee. It debuted to Tennessee sports bettors on November 1.

Unlikely. Most sportsbooks in regulated markets require you to have funds in your account to place a wager. Other than its online-only sportsbook ecosystem, Tennessee isn’t steering far off the path of its regulated counterparts.

You will be able to deposit money using a credit card at the state’s sportsbooks.

Yes. College sports are incredibly popular in Tennessee, and bettors can wager on matches. This includes in-state schools, which many states restrict from sports betting sites.

The only restriction is live betting. Live, in-game betting isn’t allowed on college sports in the state.

Do I have to visit a casino to create my Tennessee online sports betting account?

No. And you’d have trouble if you tried, considering the state has no casinos! You’ll be able to register fully online. Just have your personal information ready. This includes your name, email, address, phone number, SSN, and preferred deposit method.