Gambling Laws In Tennessee
There are a number of gambling laws put in place across the nation including Tennessee's gambling laws, which all state what types of gambling are permitted, who may operate a gambling business and where they are allowed to exist. What these laws do not say however, is anything about the average citizen participating in the act of simply placing a bet. It is in this gray area that Tennessee residents find asylum, especially in the field of online gambling which is rarely mentioned when talking about the laws in different states.
But telling readers this just isn't enough, as this guide to the gambling laws in Tennessee isolates the most important statutes and translates them so that anyone can understand what they mean. Keep it here and when we're through you will not only know the legality of land-based and online gambling, but also where Tennessee residents can find safe places to get what they want...entertainment with a high probability of massive profits.
Tennessee gambling code is short and to the point. First off, Tennessee titles its legislation with "Anti-Gambling Laws", so we can assume right off the bat that the act of gambling is frowned upon within the state. This title is immediately followed up with: "(1) Gambling is contrary to the public policy of this state and means risking anything of value for a profit whose return is to any degree contingent on chance, or any games of chance associated with casinos, including, but not limited to, slot machines, roulette wheels and the like. For the purposes of this chapter gambling does not include: (A) A lawful business transaction; (B) Annual events operated for the benefit of charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that are authorized pursuant to a two-thirds (2/3) approval of the general assembly, so long as such events are not prohibited by the state constitution; or (C) A state lottery of the type such as is in operation in Georgia, Kentucky, and Virginia in 2000 and authorized by amendment to the Constitution of Tennessee, if such lottery is approved by the general assembly". So, unless you are running a charity or playing the state lottery, gambling is prohibited in Tennessee and lawmakers chose not to make it difficult to understand that fact. It is a class C misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $50. Obviously, this is a pretty light punishment for a very rarely enforced or investigated crime.
More potent forms of gambling will land you in serious trouble. The state's language includes passages forbidding the promotion of gambling and possessing a gambling device which could garner a Class E felony worth up to $10,000 in fines and/or prison time. Effectively, as is the case with federal law, one should not ever engage in the business of gambling while in Tennessee or anywhere else for that matter. Beyond this, there is little more mention of what one can and cannot do other than that gambling in general is unlawful.
Now, on to the good news about Tennessee's anti-gambling laws: what is perhaps the most optimistic news for casual gamblers is the fact that there is not much written details on gambling while the penalty for simple gambling is a very light $50 or less fine in the form of a Class C misdemeanor. So long as a resident has not engaged in the business of gambling or gambling promotion or using a gambling device to make a profit off of others, the social gamblers in the state are largely left alone.
This is not to say that Tennessee residents should feel completely free to play in any poker game that they wish as people who host such games and take a rake are often times raided and arrested with strong charge of gambling promotion. If a Tennessee resident wants to play a home poker game among friends and family, it would be wise to keep the stakes low and make sure there is no profit being made. Also, be aware that this still constitutes a misdemeanor infraction should one be unlucky enough to have the authorities appearing during a game for cash. When in doubt, be discreet and be private if you wish to gamble at home in Tennessee. It would probably be wise to win more than $50 too, just in case!
Land-Based Gambling In Tennessee
As mentioned above, all forms of gambling are not regulated in the state of Tennessee. This makes things difficult for the average resident who wants to wager on a hand of Texas Hold'em or place a few bucks on the Vols with a friend. There is no legal way to gamble in a land based environment anywhere in the Volunteer State with absolutely no exceptions or loopholes to be found. This means that the only way is within the privacy of your own home where you must hope that no one has tattled on your activities to local authorities. If you feel that you must gamble with friends or family in the privacy of your own home, be sure not to use a gambling device, allow any profit to be made or do anything that can be construed as promotion of gambling. If one happened to be busted, the misdemeanor fine will not exceed $50 or may just result in a warning.
Online Gambling In Tennessee
While the gambling situation for those in Tennessee is grim, Tennessee gambling regulations do not mention the internet at all in its legislation. Federal laws do, however. If we look at the sweeping effects of the Federal Wire Act and PASPA, we know that the existence of any online gambling site within the country is illegal but that the use of such a site is not. This means that Tennessee residents who wish to take advantage of this legal loophole need only use the services of an online gambling site which is located outside of both Tennessee and U.S. jurisdiction, in which there are a plethora of options.
There are online gambling sites which cover everything from casino games, to poker, to horse racing and sports betting which are located all across the globe and operate as lawful businesses under their own host nation's laws. There is nothing in our laws which prevent us from using such sites and a number of them are quite safe and secure to use with reliable payouts of winnings delivered routinely to home addresses right here in the United States. Often times, these sites are even designed and intended for American users knowing that our legal loopholes and regulated situation yearns for an outlet to bet on sports and the like.
Popular Gambling Options In Tennessee:
Online Sportsbooks - Online Casinos - Online Poker
One such site that is a top destination for American and Tennessee users alike, is the online gambling site Bovada. Initially created as an American company, they were forced to move to Canada upon changing federal laws and continue to operate specifically for local users and players. This online gambling site offers all of the major forms of gambling in the forms of traditional casino games, poker and even sports betting. The banking transactions are notably efficient and secure as Tennessee residents can typically expect to receive a check by courier for their winnings within 10 business days delivered from Quebec.
With their unrivaled customer support, and an impressive list of American endorsements such as USA Today and CBS Sports, it is no surprise that Bovada remains the top choice of those looking to place a wager in the Volunteer State. Signing up takes only moments and is exquisitely safe and discreet for the cautious Tennessee residents not wishing to draw attention to the bets they desire to place on Saturday's big game or the raise in a hand of Texas Hold'em.
| Best Overall Betting Sites | Sports? | Casino? | Poker? | Horses? | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| BetOnline | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| SportsBetting | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
The legal gambling age in the state of Tennessee is 18 years of age or older either gambling on a charitable event, playing the state lottery or gambling online. The legal Tennessee gambling sites which we recommend are available to all adult residents of the Volunteer State aged 18 or older.
Best For All Gaming Types
