In Tennessee, gambling laws are relatively strict compared to some other states. Traditional forms of casino gambling are not permitted in the state, and there are no commercial casinos or tribal casinos within Tennessee’s borders.
However, certain forms of betting are legal in Tennessee:
1. **Tennessee Lottery**: The state lottery was established in 2002 and offers a variety of games including scratch-offs, lotto, and Powerball.
2. **Sports Betting**: In 2019, Tennessee became the first state in the South to legalize sports betting without any physical sportsbooks. Sports betting in Tennessee is exclusively online and mobile, regulated by the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation. Bettors must be at least 21 years old and physically located within state lines to place a bet.
3. **Horse Racing**: While pari-mutuel horse racing is not conducted within Tennessee, the state does allow residents to bet on horse racing through ADW (Advanced Deposit Wagering) platforms.
4. **Charitable Gambling**: Some forms of charitable gambling are allowed, including bingo and raffles conducted by qualified charitable organizations.
It’s important to note that the laws regarding gambling can change, and it is always advisable to check the current legal status before engaging in any form of betting. Additionally, illegal gambling operations do exist but are subject to enforcement by state and local authorities.