Tennessee approves online sports betting rules

The Tennessee Education Lottery (TEL) Board of Directors approved Wednesday rules and processes to establish sports wagering rules in Tennessee.

Potential licensees and registrants will be able to access applications on the TEL website next week. The TEL Board will have 90 days to approve or deny an application once it has been determined complete in accordance with the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act of 2019.

There are no restrictions on the number of licenses that may be issued for interactive sports gaming operations, but licensees and suppliers must meet suitability requirements.

“These rules reflect the significant work that went into establishing the processes and requirements for licensing and regulating interactive sports wagering in Tennessee. The Board thanks the TEL and the Sports Wagering Advisory Council for their thoughtful help and guidance,” said Board Chair Susan Lanigan.

Tennessee state law permits wagering on sporting events via the Internet, mobile device or other telecommunication platforms. All players must be at least 21 years old to place a wager. The TEL does not serve as an operator, only as the regulator, in accordance with the law.

“We enter a new phase of this undertaking, and on behalf of the Advisory Council, we look forward to continuing to provide advice and assistance in support of best practices for Tennessee,” commented Sports Wagering Advisory Council Chair Billy Orgel.

“I want to thank Susan, Billy, the board of directors and the advisory council for their collaboration throughout this process,” TEL President and CEO Rebecca Hargrove said. “We will continue to work with all parties involved to protect the consumer, promote fairness in sports and regulate this new Tennessee industry that provides critical education funds to the state.”