Is Online Casino Legal in Tennessee?

Tennessee is among those strict US states that do not support gambling in any form. Despite the growing popularity of online casinos nationally and internationally, Tennessee remains pretty restrictive about the issue. That’s not to say there’s no gambling at all. Tennessee has a state lottery and allows betting on horse races. There’s also a recent exception for sports betting, but casinos and most other forms of gambling are still off-limits.

This article explores online legal gambling in Tennessee, allowed casinos, forms of allowed online real money casino gambling, and top gambling websites available to Tennesseans.

Why Are Casinos Illegal In Tennessee: Brief History

Tennessee’s relationship with gambling has a long history rooted in its settlement patterns and religious beliefs. Unlike some states that used lotteries to jumpstart their economies, Tennessee wasn’t built on a foundation of gambling. This early absence of gambling established a different tradition compared to other regions.

The 1800s witnessed a surge in conservative movements throughout the United States, and Tennessee was swept up in this wave. These movements often viewed gambling with suspicion, associating it with negative social consequences and addiction. These views took deep root in Tennessee and continue to influence laws today. Many early settlers in Tennessee were deeply religious Christians, and some denominations strongly condemned gambling as sinful. This religious opposition to gambling further solidified the conservative stance against it during the 19th century and beyond.

All of the above contribute to Tennessee’s restricted gambling laws. The complex interplay of historical events and social values has resulted in a situation where most forms of gambling remain illegal despite the growing popularity of gambling nationwide.

Tennessee Gambling Laws Overview(2024 Update)

Tennessee takes a conservative approach to gambling, particularly regarding casinos and traditional casino games. Even seemingly harmless events like fishing tournaments with cash prizes have been deemed illegal gambling by the state’s attorney general. However, there are some exceptions. Horse racing enthusiasts can enjoy betting on races, and the state operates its own lottery. Non-profit organizations can also apply for permission to hold fundraising events that include bingo or similar games of chance. Interestingly, the law also allows for “futures or commodities trading.”

While Tennessee restricts most forms of gambling and even some seemingly harmless activities, not everything that involves a chance element is illegal. According to the AGA(American Gaming Association), the only form of legal online gambling in Tennessee is sports betting, and operators must apply for state licenses to offer their services legally.

Sounds confusing? Let’s review what gambling is legal and what is not in The Volunteer State!

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Real Money Online Gambling In Tennessee

Due to the strict regulations in place, Tennessee state has no state-licensed land-based or online casino. Residents can place sports wagers only at licensed sports betting operators, like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook. The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council regularly updates the list of licensed operators on its website. Make sure to check the list before placing your bets. Because TN players who place their wagers at offshore websites not licensed by the TN State Government commit a crime under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-502. So, If they bet with such sports betting websites and cannot withdraw their funds, no regulator can help them recover their money.

Alternatives To Real Money Online Casinos & Apps

Real money online casino apps are illegal in Tennessee state. Poker websites and apps like Pokerstars 888 Poker are also illegal to operate across the state. But not all hope is lost. There are alternatives to real money online casinos and apps for players from TN.

Best Social Casinos For Tennessee Residents

The good news for TN casino enthusiasts is that social and sweepstakes casinos are legal in the state. Social casinos allow users to play their favorite casino-style games without wagering real money. Players play with virtual currency and win virtual coins. Sweepstakes online casinos involve playing with virtual currencies, Gold Coins & Sweeps Coins. However, sweeps coins can be redeemed for cash prizes. If you want to learn how to win real money at sweepstakes casinos in Tennessee, read this guide.

Here are the top three legal social and sweepstakes online casinos for players from TN:

What Casino Games Are Available To Tennessee Players?

Suppose you play at offshore real money online casinos. In that case, all the popular casino games like craps, roulette, poker, slots, bingo, and scratch cards are available with varying betting limits. You can even play live dealer games. However, playing at social casinos offers limited options compared to real money casinos. You can play:

• Blackjack
• Slots
• Poker
• Solitaire
• Slingo
• Bingo
• Jacks or Better Video Poker

Tennessee VR Casinos & Gambling

VR or Virtual Reality Casinos are revolutionizing online gambling by offering a truly immersive experience.  They craft a simulated casino using VR tech where players can socialize and gamble in a realistic setting. Imagine the thrill of a bustling casino floor, all from the comfort of your own home! VR takes online gambling to the next level, making you feel like you’re truly in the action. The good news for TN casino fans is that VR casinos and gambling are legal.

Here is a brief breakdown of how VR gambling works:

How To Play At A Virtual Reality Casino?

VR Casinos leverage the combined power of VR headsets and VR-compatible gaming platforms. Players can download the VR casino software and enter a virtual casino environment seamlessly. Once inside, they can select from various games, including classics like slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker. These games are meticulously designed to deliver a realistic experience, incorporating lifelike graphics, sound effects, and even haptic feedback to amplify the immersion.

The magic of VR extends to social interactions within the virtual casino. Players can engage in conversations, forge friendships, and compete. This social aspect is a significant draw for many VR casino enthusiasts, replicating the camaraderie of a physical casino from the comfort of their homes. VR casinos are the best choice for players from states and countries in which real money casinos and gambling are forbidden.

Top Legal VR Casinos In Tennessee

Before your VR casino adventure begins, it’s crucial to choose a platform compatible with your headset. Several options exist, including SlotsMillion, Casino VR Poker, and VR Casino. Prioritize reputable and licensed casinos to safeguard your personal and financial information. Additionally, ensure the casino offers your favorite games to maximize your enjoyment.

Here are the VR casino options confirmed by TN.GOV.

1.SlotsMillion

It stands out as a frontrunner in the VR casino scene. This popularity stems from its extensive game library, which encompasses slots, table games, and even live dealer experiences—all rendered in a captivating virtual environment. Compatibility with major VR headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive allows players to seamlessly enter SlotsMillion’s virtual world. Beyond the games, real time interaction with other players fosters a social and engaging atmosphere, replicating the buzz of a real casino from the comfort of your home.

2.Casino VR Poker

Casino VR Poker takes Texas Hold’em to the next level with a captivating virtual experience. Here, you can pull up a virtual seat and face off against players worldwide in real time. Dive into diverse game modes, from classic Texas Hold’em to fast-paced Sit-N-Go tournaments. The meticulously crafted virtual environment enhances the experience, creating a realistic and immersive poker atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in the thick of the action.

3.PokerStars VR: Renamed for “Vegas Infinite”

For poker enthusiasts seeking a more interactive online experience, Vegas Infinite offers a compelling option. This VR platform lets you sit at a virtual table alongside players from across the globe, engaging in real-time Texas Hold’em and Omaha matches. Beyond the core gameplay, Vegas Infinite VR allows for avatar customization, adding a layer of personalization to your virtual poker persona. The meticulously detailed environment further enhances the experience, creating a realistic and immersive atmosphere that fosters a sense of community among players.

4.VR Casino by 888 Casino

Although real-money 888 Casino is unavailable and illegal for TN players, VR Casino by 888 Casino allows players to play a wide variety of games, including slots, blackjack, and roulette, all in a highly detailed and immersive virtual environment.

Compatible with major VR headsets (Oculus Rift, HTC Vive), this casino lets players explore a virtual casino atmosphere and interact with other players in real time for a social and immersive experience.

Will Tennessee Ever Legalize Online Casinos?

It’s impossible to say for sure whether Tennessee will ever legalize online casinos. Tennessee has a long-standing conservative view on gambling, and casinos are currently illegal. Despite this, the state legalized sports betting in 2020, showing a potential shift towards allowing some forms of gambling. Legalization could generate tax revenue and economic benefits for the state. However, religious opposition and concerns about social issues like gambling addiction could hinder legalization efforts.

Long story short, Tennessee’s future of legal online casinos remains uncertain. Still, the success of sports betting and changing public attitudes towards gambling could influence future decisions.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, while traditional brick-and-mortar and online casinos remain illegal in Tennessee, there are still ways to enjoy casino-style games. Social and sweepstakes casinos offer a legal, safe, and fun alternative. VR casinos add a whole new level of immersion for Tennesseans who enjoy gambling.

If you’re curious about the legalities of online gambling in other locations, check out our articles exploring the online casino landscape in various US states and worldwide!

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