Tennessee Sees Strong Growth in April Sports Betting

Tennessee’s sports betting market saw a substantial year-on-year increase in April, continuing its trend of growth in the online wagering sector. The state’s gross betting handle reached $463.6 million for the month, according to figures released by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council. This marks a 21.7% increase from the $380.9 million reported in April 2023.

However, despite the year-on-year growth, April’s total represents a 15.5% decline from March 2025, when the state recorded $548.6 million in gross wagers. The dip is consistent with historical trends, as the sports betting calendar typically cools down following the NCAA basketball tournament and other high-profile events that drive March activity.

Including an additional $3 million in undisclosed “adjustments,” the adjusted gross handle for April reached $466.5 million. This figure is 21.4% higher than April last year but mirrors the same 15.5% decline from March. The nature of these adjustments was not specified in the council’s report, but they are not uncommon and may reflect corrections or late reporting from operators.

No Revenue or Operator-Specific Data Released

While handle figures offer a snapshot of betting volume, the council does not release revenue data or information on individual operator performance. This lack of transparency limits insight into win rates, promotional activity, and overall operator health — metrics that are commonly reported in other regulated states.

One available indicator is the amount of privilege tax collected. Tennessee’s tax model, which charges licensed operators 1.85% of their monthly handle, generated $8.6 million for the state in April. The fixed-rate tax on handle, rather than revenue, makes Tennessee an outlier among U.S. jurisdictions. Most other states apply taxes based on adjusted gross revenue, which considers payouts and promotional deductions.

Eleven Operators Active in Online-Only Market

As of April, 11 online sportsbooks were active in Tennessee. Major national brands operating in the state include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics Sportsbook, and ESPN Bet. Smaller or regionally focused operators such as Bally Bet, ZenSports, Tennessee Action 24/7, Betly, and Hard Rock Bet round out the market.

Tennessee remains an online-only betting jurisdiction, having chosen not to authorize in-person or retail sportsbooks when legalizing sports betting. Legislation allowing online wagering was approved in April 2019, but it wasn’t until November 2020 that the first sportsbooks went live.

This digital-only model has allowed Tennessee to tap into widespread mobile access, simplifying entry for operators and consumers alike. However, it also means the state lacks the economic and tourism-related benefits associated with retail sportsbooks in other markets.

 

April’s handle shows Tennessee’s sports betting market remains strong year-over-year, even as activity slowed from March’s peak.

Outlook

With April numbers in, attention turns to how Tennessee’s betting market will perform during the quieter spring and summer months. Historically, betting volumes tend to taper in May and June before picking back up with the return of football season in the fall.

The sustained year-on-year growth suggests a solid foundation for the state’s sports betting industry. Still, the month-over-month decline highlights the seasonal volatility that continues to define betting markets across the U.S.

Unless new promotional strategies, legislative changes, or major sporting events spark renewed activity, Tennessee is likely to follow national trends with moderate activity through mid-year. The performance of new and smaller operators may also become more critical as competition tightens and growth rates begin to stabilize.