Where are we right now with sports betting in Tennessee?

The Volunteer State became the fourth state in 2019 to legalize sports betting following Montana, Iowa, and Indiana in doing so.

This means, for the very first time, the people of Tennessee will be able to wager on their favorite sports, legally.

November 1st, 2020 saw the very first legal sports betting wagers placed in the state of Tennessee.

Although it's a monumental start for bettors in The Volunteer State, some would hope to see online casinos added to the list of ways to legally gamble online in the future.

The typical course of action when a state moves forward with the idea of sport betting is for sportsbook operators to seek out land-based casinos to partner with.

But with not one single physical casino in sight and no intention to build purpose built casinos or sportsbooks, operators will offer their services online only, becoming the first state to approach the industry in such a way.

The state of Tennessee had been known for its stringent regulations in terms of gambling but with sports betting now a legal act, what changed?

The need to keep money spent on gambling in-state is as good a reason as any. Not to mention keeping residents safe from the dangers of illegal gambling.

Many Tennessee residents are highly likely to be fully established in the world of sports betting already via illegal channels, such as Bovada.

Now the opportunity has presented itself, why not offer a legal means of wagering to better protect bettors and allow the state to take a cut of a sizeable income through taxes?

With sports betting up and running in both Mississippi and West Virginia, and Indiana and Arkansas on deck, there’s also the need for the government to prevent its residents from travelling to nearby states where it’s legally possible to place wagers. Why contribute to the financial income of neighboring states?

The general consensus is if people want to do something, they’ll find a way. While TN state officials were probably less than enthused with the idea initially, you sense their hand has been forced on the matter. If you can’t beat them, join them, I guess.

The fact that the framework allows for mobile wagering only is thought to have played a significant part in the shift in attitude.

It’s believed a sports betting industry available exclusively online will appeal more to the masses and the younger generation in particular who much favor the flexibility of placing bets on mobile devices rather than having to visit casinos in-person.

There’s no shortage of sporting action in Tennessee whether it be with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, Nashville Predators in the NHL or Tennessee Titans in the NFL.

Soon you’ll be able to combine rooting for your favorite team with wagering on them. A dangerous mix in the eyes may be but worth the fun nonetheless.

Tennessee Titans

After relocating from Houston to Tennessee and then changing name from ‘The Oilers’ to ‘The Titans’, the Tennessee Titans have been representing the state since 1998.

The name change served as inspiration for ‘The Titans’ who made their first ever Superbowl appearance as a result of winning the Conference Championship.

2017 saw The Titans end nine years without making it into the playoffs, only to be beaten by the eventual winners, New England.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies, founded just nineteen years ago, only made Memphis home in 2001 having been born in Vancouver.

Given the tender age of the franchise, silverware has yet to grace the trophy cabinet at the FedExForum.

However, the Grizzlies did make the Conference finals in 2012/13 and managed to post a respectable 12th place finish in the Western Conference in 2018/19.

Nashville Predators

If at first you don’t succeed then try try and try again.

After several attempts trying to bring the NHL to Nashville, The Predators were born in 1998 making Bridgestone Arena their home.

The franchise marked their 20 year anniversary in perfect fashion with their maiden championship title in 2018 whilst also claiming their first President’s trophy.

The attitude to gambling in Tennessee has always been reflective of the region’s conservative nature, hence the lack of land-based casinos altogether in TN.

To see The Volunteer State change tack in terms of now welcoming the idea of sports betting is somewhat surprising.

Up to the recently passed law, Tenneseeans looking to gamble had only the state’s lottery to occupy themselves, this only becoming legal as of 2004, two years on from the initial referendum to allow this form of gambling it must be noted.

Prior to this, it was slim pickings to say the least in terms of gambling activity. A law allowing horse racing venues to be built existed for thirty years but remained untouched and was eventually revoked in 2105. Even bingo was strictly off limits.