Land-Based Casinos in Tennessee State Directory

Tennessee is a bit different when it comes to gambling. Unlike most places, you won't find big casinos there. The state has rules against most types of gambling, which means no physical casinos. It's unlike nearby states where casinos are a common thing. Instead, Tennessee focuses more on things like the lottery and, more recently, online sports betting.

Neighboring State	Closest Casino	Distance from Tennessee
Mississippi	Gold Strike Casino Resort	Approx. 60 miles
Arkansas	Southland Casino Racing	Approx. 150 miles
Kentucky	Derby City Gaming	Approx. 230 miles

Intro to Gambling in Tennessee

Tennessee's gambling landscape differs significantly from states with traditional casino offerings. In Tennessee, gambling at physical casinos, including slot machines and table games, is prohibited by state law. However, the state permits legal online sports betting through licensed operators, providing an avenue for sports enthusiasts to engage in betting on various sports events.

While brick-and-mortar casinos are absent in Tennessee, social casinos offer online gaming experiences without real-money wagers. These social gaming platforms allow users to play a variety of casino-style games for entertainment purposes only, without the opportunity to win real money.

Residents and visitors must be at least 21 years old to participate in legal sports betting activities in Tennessee, adhering to state regulations.

The betting landscape in Tennessee caters to various preferences and budgets, offering diverse wagering options on sporting events through approved online sportsbooks. Betting limits can vary by sport and operator, providing flexibility for bettors.

Indian Casinos in Tennessee

Tennessee does not have any Indian casinos within its borders. Unlike numerous states across the country that feature Native American-operated casinos on tribal lands, Tennessee stands apart as a state without any such establishments. The absence of Indian casinos is a defining characteristic of the state's gambling landscape, as laws and regulations in Tennessee restrict the presence of traditional casinos, including those operated by Native American tribes. Consequently, visitors and residents seeking the gaming experiences commonly associated with Indian casinos will not find such venues within Tennessee, setting the state apart from neighboring regions where these tribal casinos are often prevalent.

Racinos in Tennessee

In the realm of gaming, a racino, a portmanteau of “racetrack” and “casino,” combines the thrill of horse racing with traditional casino features, all housed under a single roof. While these establishments often include a variety of casino games, Tennessee distinguishes itself by not currently hosting any racinos. The absence of racinos is a notable aspect of the state's gambling landscape, reflecting Tennessee's regulatory stance against combining horse racing and casino-style gaming. As a result, individuals seeking the combined entertainment experience of racetrack betting and casino gaming will not find these integrated venues within Tennessee, setting the state apart from regions where racinos contribute to the local gambling industry.

Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Tennessee?

With off-land casinos amassing an impressive annual income exceeding $15 billion, the allure of gaming extends beyond conventional borders. In the United States, the cruise industry, a colossal entity in its own right, offers a unique avenue for casino enthusiasts. Cruise ship casinos operate by adhering to a strategic approach – gambling commences only upon reaching international waters, thereby avoiding federal gambling laws applicable to onshore establishments.

Notably, riverboat casinos, legal in six states including Iowa, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Missouri, present an intriguing facet of the gambling landscape. Despite their nautical nomenclature, riverboat casinos often remain moored to the docks, a measure initially introduced to confine casino gaming to specific regions. However, it's crucial to highlight that Tennessee does not host any cruise ship or riverboat casinos within its boundaries. In contrast to numerous states boasting riverboat or cruise ship-based gambling experiences along their waterways, Tennessee does not offer such casino options. State regulations prohibit the operation of cruise ship or riverboat casinos, resulting in the absence of these floating gambling venues within Tennessee.

Legal Gambling Forms in Tennessee

In Tennessee, legal gambling primarily revolves around specific forms of online betting. However, Tennessee does not have brick-and-mortar casinos, racetracks, or tribal gaming establishments. Additionally, social casinos operate within the state, offering online gaming experiences without involving real-money wagers, allowing users to enjoy various casino-style games purely for entertainment purposes. The focus on online sports betting and social casinos marks the key avenues for legal gambling in Tennessee, as the state maintains stringent regulations restricting traditional forms of gambling, directing attention toward these specific permitted platforms.

The state's gambling landscape is predominantly centered on legal online sports betting, which allows individuals aged 21 and above to participate in placing bets on various sports events through licensed operators.

Tennessee Online Casinos

In Tennessee, the landscape for traditional brick-and-mortar casinos is notably absent due to stringent gambling laws that prohibit the operation of physical casinos within state borders. Additionally, the state's laws do not currently authorize or regulate online casinos.

Tennessee Sports Betting

Online sports betting activities are legal in Tennessee, but traditional in-person sports betting remains illegal in the state. The state took a significant step in 2019 by legalizing online sports betting, and it officially launched in 2020. Tennessee stands out as the first state in the U.S. to exclusively permit online sports betting, as it does not have brick-and-mortar sportsbooks within its borders. This pioneering approach has created a unique and accessible environment for sports bettors to engage in legal wagering activities.

Tennessee Online Poker

In Tennessee, traditional poker rooms or physical poker establishments are prohibited under state gambling laws. The state does not allow for licensed brick-and-mortar casinos or poker rooms. Additionally, Tennessee's gambling legislation does not specifically authorize or regulate online poker within its borders.

Tennessee Bingo

In Tennessee, bingo is legal and permitted within the state under specific regulations. However, it's important to note that physical bingo halls or establishments offering bingo games are not prevalent due to certain restrictions outlined in the state's gambling laws. Instead, the focus on bingo gaming predominantly occurs in an online format.

Tennessee Daily Fantasy Sports

In Tennessee, daily fantasy sports (DFS) are legal and operational, offering enthusiasts a chance to engage in fantasy sports contests through various online platforms. The state passed legislation in 2016 that legalized and regulated DFS, establishing a framework overseen by the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation.

Tennessee Lotteries

The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation oversees the state's lottery, offering various games that residents can participate in for a chance to win prizes. Established in 2003, the Tennessee Lottery operates various draw games, including popular options like Powerball and Mega Millions, where players select numbers and compete for large jackpot prizes based on drawn numbers.

Tennessee Parimutuel Betting

Pari-mutuel betting is legal in Tennessee. In 2019 significant shift as the state legalizes both online sports betting and online horse racing. Governor Bill Lee's endorsement of the online sports betting bill marks a pivotal turning point. In 2020 the Tennessee's sports betting situation undergoes a transformative moment with the official launch of legal online sports betting.

Tennessee Prohibited Gambling Activities

While certain forms of online gambling are legal in Tennessee, navigating varying regulations and legalities, especially concerning offshore or unlicensed gambling sites, can be confusing or pose risks for players. Nowadays, there are still many forms of gambling that are considered illegal in this state.

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Are land-based casinos legal in Tennessee?

No, land-based casinos are not legal in Tennessee.

What types of games can I play at land-based casinos in Tennessee?

In Tennessee there are no land-based casinos, therefore, traditional casino games like slots, table games (such as blackjack, roulette, poker), or other casino offerings are not available within the state.