Online Poker Tennessee
- Is Gambling Legal In Tennessee
- Online Poker For Tennessee
- Poker Rooms In Tennessee
- Tennessee Online Gambling
All over the world, the companies that make the best slots, also make the best online table game (just like with video poker). So, if you like to play Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, or Baccarat, you can choose from any of the casinos listed on this page and will get the best games available. Online Poker Online play is also not regulated in the state so you won’t find any online poker rooms for Tennessee players. This also extends to online casinos. You can still access and play on these through.
Table Of Contents
Looking for a definitive guide to Tennessee online poker with all the legal information you need and the best TN poker sites to play games online? This is the right guide for you
The state of Chris Moneymaker, the man who ignited the online poker boom back in 2003, is not one where things are made easy for online poker players.
With strict anti-gambling legislation and rules that forbid real money poker games, Tennessee is not the most poker-friendly state in the US.
Continue reading to discover:
- and lots more
In other words, if you are trying to understand where you can play online poker in Tennessee and you want some help to find the best poker sites to use for your games, you'll love this guide.
TN Poker Sites: Where Can You Play Poker in Tennessee?
These are the sites that offer legal online poker games in TN right now. If you are trying to find a place to play some games of Texas hold'em and Omaha on the internet, these are the ones to consider
All the TN poker sites on the list below are legal and authorized to offer Tennessee online poker We update this list every time a new online poker website obtains the license to offer free or real money poker games in Tennessee.
To stay on top of things and be the first to know about new TN online poker sites, new bonuses for TN poker players, and all the biggest poker events for players in the state, bookmark this page or subscribe to our Tennessee poker mailing list.
We promise to send you only the most relevant information about poker in Tennessee so you can be ready to jump on the best games as soon as they launch.
WSOP Poker App in TN
The Tennessee gambling laws regulating online poker and internet gambling allow you to play on the World Series of Poker app, one of the most popular platforms in the world!
Playing poker online on the WSOP lets you access all the games that made it famous. Download the free poker app and browse through its impressive poker tournament offer, or fire up one of the many cash games to show your poker skills!
The WSOP online poker app is legal in Tennessee and comes with one of the best poker bonuses in the United States: a massive no deposit bonus with no Tennessee code required.
Simply download the app through PokerNews, create your profile, and enjoy the best online poker games in Tennessee!
Legalized Gambling and Poker Legislation in Tennessee
If you know a thing or two about poker and you are no stranger to poker news, you know that the state of Tennessee is one with a very tight relationship with the game of poker.
Is Gambling Legal In Tennessee
And that's not because Nashville is home to any of the most popular poker rooms in the US (it really isn't!), but because of the role that one of its citizens played in making online poker the global phenomenon it is today.
Before the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 took online poker away from 300 million American citizens, the state of Tennessee got its reputation in the poker world thanks to Chris Moneymaker one of the few true heroes in the game.
The Moneymaker Miracle and the Poker Boom
Back in 2003, a shy and relatively unknown accountant from Nashville, Tennessee, did the unthinkable.
Online Poker For Tennessee
He joined PokerStars and decided to embark on a journey that soon after would change his life (and the poker industry) forever.
Playing on PokerStars from Tennessee, Moneymaker entered an $86 buy-in satellite tournament to win a ticket into the World Series of PokerMain Event, the massive tournament that brings thousands every summer to Las Vegas, Nevada.
After winning the tournament and the ticket to join the best poker players in the world, Moneymaker booked his trip to Las Vegas and entered the first live poker tournament in his life.
If you know anything about poker, you know what happened next.
Chris Moneymaker won the WSOP Main Event turning the $86 online satellite into a $2,5m first prize, quit his job as accountant, and became the new face of poker for Harra's first and PokerStars after.
READ ALSO: Chris Moneymaker WSOP Memories
Online Poker Laws in Tennessee
Unfortunately for the games, none of the top legislators in TN proved to be a massive fan of Moneymaker's adventure, as the state's stand over online poker is quite simple and very direct.
Long story short, online poker games for real money are not permitted in Tennessee.
This means that real money games on PokerStars are no longer available as players in TN cannot play any of the top games on other international poker sites like 888poker, GGPoker, and partypoker.
But not all hope is lost.
Some recent changes that relate to gambling in Tennessee make us think that the future might bring some surprises when it comes to the online poker laws in TN.
READ ALSO: How to Play on PokerStars from the US
A 'Moderately Positive' Outlook
Starting from November 1, 2020, the law in Tennessee allows sports betting in TN.
While we know that a sports bet isn't a poker hand, the recent changes in the gambling laws in Tennessee are an interesting opening that could lead to a different approach to internet poker.
The launch of online sports betting in Tennessee comes as the result of a new law that went into effect on July 1, 2019.
According to the new regulation, the state of Tennessee now allows online sports betting and mobile sports betting.
Poker Rooms In Tennessee
The Tennessee Sports Gaming Act does not allow brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in TN. If you want to bet on sports in TN, you will have to do it online.
The following sites are expected to launch online sports betting websites in TN in 2020:
- Fanduel TN
- Draftkings TN
- BetMGM TN
- Bet365 TN
When it comes to poker, the latter is a very interesting name, as Bet365 is not only a successful sportsbook but it is also home to one of the best online poker sites for real money games.
Under the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, gambling promotion, sports betting, and the implementation of all the rules included in the new legislation are assigned to the Tennessee Education Lottery Corp.
Offshore Poker Sites
And now to one of the most delicate, controversial, and dangerous issues that every player from Tennessee will face at least once: the offshore poker sites.
As American players know very well, there is a number of offshore poker sites that continue to offer real money poker games in TN and in the rest of the United States in spite of the current poker laws.
Offshore poker sites are not legal and we firmly invite you not to play there.
Playing on offshore sites is not necessarily always a felony (but it can be, depending on your poker laws), but it is always a wrong choice.
Unregulated sites are dangerous on far too many levels for anyone who enjoys poker games to deposit their money there.
The fairness of the games is not guaranteed, the way offshore poker sites handle your money is not clear, and the use of bots is so widespread that there are entire poker forums dedicated to this topic.
Every poker site in Tennessee, once the online players will get the opportunity to play legal poker, will need to be approved and licensed by the Tennessee Education Lottery Corp.
TN licensed online poker sites will be the only ones authorized to offer real money games online to players in Tennessee
Please, do not play on offshore poker sites because your money is not safe there.
Tennessee Sports Betting Online
Starting from November 1, 2020, you can bet on sports online from Tennessee. Here you find a list of all the TN online sportsbooks that offer real money betting on sports in Tennessee.
As you can see from the list of TN bookies online, all sites welcome new sports bettors with a bonus on signup. If you don't know where to start, we have a page to compare free bet offers and understand which one is the best promotion for you.
Alternatively, you can also check our Draftking free bets guide and activate the bonus available right now in Tennessee.
Tennessee Online Gambling
Tennessee (TN): Short Facts
Here's some quick and useful fact about the State of Tennessee:
- With a population of 6,83 million, the state of Tennessee is the 16th largest in the US.
- After a referendum held in 2002, the State Lottery is the only one of all forms of gambling to be legal in Tennessee.
- The 2016 bill that legalized online sports betting in TN became law without the signature of the state's Governor Bill Lee.
- Online gambling taxes are expected to generate over $50 million in revenue every year. The money coming from legal online gambling will be used to finance education, local government, and gambling addiction initiatives.
- Since the legalization of the state lottery, the Tennessee educational system has already received over $4 billion in funds from gambling revenue.
- Back in April 2008, Wilbur Futhey from Crossville, Tennessee, won the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Horseshoe Southern Indiana for $180,290.
Summary of Texas Gambling & Poker Laws
| Game Type | Status | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Online Poker | Not Legal | At present, Tennessee poker players cannot access real money games online |
| Live Poker | Not Legal | The Tennessee poker laws do not authorize live games. Home games for money are prohibited, even when there's no profit for the organizers |
| Online Gambling | Not Legal | Online casinos cannot operate in TN. Offshore online casinos are to be avoided at all costs |
| Live Gambling | Not Legal | There are no casinos in Tennessee to play games like craps, roulette, blackjack, or slots |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal | Online sports betting is legal in Tennessee and TN sportsbook offer real money betting on sports since November 1, 2020 |
| Live Sports Betting | Not Legal | Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks are not allowed in TN |
You would think that a state bordered by Mississippi to the South and Kentucky, home of the country’s most prestigious horse racing event, to the North would boast a burgeoning casino and legal real money poker industry of its own but the Volunteer State really doesn’t have much of a real cash gambling scene. No such luck.
Fearing the corrupting effect gambling and real money poker betting might have on its socially conservative culture, the traditionally Red state of Tennessee has adopted a staunch anti-gambling stance, and for all intents and purposes it’s not likely to change its position on legit poker gambling anytime soon.
With that said, there are some Tennessee state officials (all of them Democrats) in favor of exploring the benefits of regulated legal poker and casino gambling. However, even if a bill is passed that legalizes land-based casinos and real money poker rooms, the prospect of online poker and Internet poker betting ever being controlled by Tennessee’s state legislators are slim to none, and closer to none.
Unlike your neighbors to the North and South, punters in The Volunteer State will be able to enjoy the virtual green on most of our real money US poker sites.
Memphis Fights for Casino Gambling
Quick Jump
- 4 The Facts
No word on House Bill 603 or Senate Bill 691 has been heard since, leading one to believe that Tennessee’s ultra-conservatism ruled the day that real money poker betting was bad for the TN population. This comes as little surprise, as Senator Tate himself admitted that the legal gambling bill would probably not pass through legislators.
H.B 603 and S.B 691 are the latest in a long list of poker betting and gambling bills asking Tennessee state officials to weigh in on casino and poker gambling on games like Texas Hold’em poker. Early efforts date back to the 1980s, with the strongest push taking place in 1992 – the same year Tunica, Mississippi opened its first casinos and real cash poker venues.
Can Players from Tennessee Play Poker Online?
Nearby states, including Kentucky, have taken a vigorous anti-online gambling and Internet poker stance, and some US-facing sites have responded by not accepting real money poker players from these states. Yet Tennessee’s online poker community has a plethora of iGaming Internet poker website options.
In fact, all real cash US poker websites listed on our homepage are currently accepting poker gambling players from the Volunteer State. So just because you won’t be able to find a live real money poker room within Tennessee’s state confines, doesn’t mean you can’t hit the virtual Internet poker felt from the comfort of your own living room in TN.
- U. S. Poker Site
- Compatibillity
- Editor Rating
- Deposit Bonus
- Very player friendly
- Generous cashback
- Great mobile play
Is Online Poker Legal in Tennessee?
Providing a clear-cut answer to this question of whether playing Internet poker for real money at poker websites in TN is legal can be tricky, if only because the state’s gambling and betting statues make no mention of computerized wagering or Internet poker. We know that Internet poker gambling is not regulated by the state of Tennessee, and that state officials generally frown upon gambling and poker betting related activities. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that online gaming and playing games like Texas Hold’em poker is illegal.
And while it’s best to seek legal advice regarding such matters, we’ve put together a list highlighting the most noteworthy aspects of Tennessee gambling and real money poker law [2]. Use it as a rough guideline, and if you want to read more, see our “References” section:
- Tennessee law defines gambling as risking anything of value, including real money, for a profit whose return is to any degree contingent on chance, or any games of chance associated with casinos, including, but not limited to, slot machines, roulette wheels and the like. Is it not clear whether the state considers real cash poker gambling to be a game of chance, or if it shares the same opinion of those who deem the lawful real money poker game to be largely based on skill. If we had to guess, we’d opt for the former.
- According to Section 39-17-502, anyone that knowingly engages in gambling is subject to a Class C misdemeanor. Notice the usage of word knowingly. Most serious real cash poker players do not consider playing real money poker to be gambling, and therefore may be able to use this clause to escape gambling charges.
- The penalty associated with promoting gambling or betting in TN is more severe than the one for partaking in it. Anyone that knowingly induces or aids another to engage in gambling and intends to derive or derives an economic benefit other than personal winnings from the gambling can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor.
- Investing in, financing, controlling or managing a gambling or betting enterprise carries the loftiest consequences. The offense for running even a small operation is a Class E felony.
The Facts
The History of Gambling in Tennessee
Like many anti-gambling states, Tennessee once hosted a thriving gambling and legit real money poker industry. As early as 1796, the year TN became a state, gambling and poker betting houses and saloons were a prominent part of Tennessee’s culture. Things remained this way throughout the duration of the 19th century and into the early 1900s. It was then that the state’s societal paradigm began to shift and poker gambling wasn’t looked upon so well.
Horse racing tracks did not have the financial resources to remain open, and were closed. By default, race gambling wagering was completely done away with. Charitable gambling and poker betting was also prohibited by state law.
But it wasn’t until 1949 that the real crackdown on gambling and real cash betting began. That year, U.S Senator and Tennessee native Estes Kefauver began a campaign to subdue organized crime, going as far as to ask the federal government to ban gambling and real money poker in Las Vegas. Of course, his efforts failed, but he did manage to rid most forms of gambling and lawful betting in his home state of TN.
Unlike most states, Tennessee law authorities take gambling and betting violations very seriously. Hundreds of gambling and real cash poker related arrests are made each year and underground real money poker games are raided frequently. However, no online poker related arrests have been recorded for people playing real cash Internet poker games in TN.
In recent years, Tennessee’s stance towards gambling and poker betting has loosened ever so slightly. In 2003, Tennessee was one of the last states to legalize a statewide real money lottery. Lawful real cash betting revenue generated from the lottery would be used strictly to fund education. The state of TN sold its first lotto tickets a year later and would eventually join a multi-state lottery pool.
Charitable raffles are also now legal, in so long as all real cash gambling proceeds go to education, but other forms of charitable gambling remain illegal.
Regulated Gambling Options in Tennessee
Tennessee natives looking for legit gambling and real money poker action are best served traveling to Tunica. The only regulated gambling or real cash betting options available to Volunteer State inhabitants are the aforementioned charitable raffles and three forms of the lottery.
Pari-mutuel wagering, sports betting, commercial and tribal casinos, bingo and casino nights, poker gambling and any other form of wagering on games of chance are not permitted in TN, nor will they be in the foreseeable future.
The Volunteer State does not seem interested in legalizing online poker, but those in Tennessee are still able to play online poker.
The Future of Regulated Online Gambling in Tennessee
We probably stand a better chance of beating Phil Ivey heads-up in a real cash poker game than Tennessee regulating online poker and Internet poker websites. With that said, it’s very well possible that TN state’s Democrats will continue to explore the viability of building land-based casinos and live poker betting rooms, but unless the balance of power in government shifts dramatically in TN, it’s unlikely any legal poker betting proposal will see the light of day.
Therefore, Tennessee’s best shot at legalizing online poker is through federally mandated Internet poker legislation.
Fun Fact
It’s somewhat ironic that the man who set off the real money poker boom hails from the state of Tennessee that frowns upon poker gambling. Chris Moneymaker [3], winner of the 2003 WSOP Main Event poker betting tournament, inspired a swarm of amateurs to give poker a try with Internet poker, and within three years entries into the Main Event increased tenfold.
More in line with one would expect from a Tennessee resident, TN Senator Bill Frist was a major proponent and influencing factor of the UIGEA of 2006 [4]. In the short term, the UIGEA would force several Internet poker companies, including Party Poker, out of the United States. More importantly, it initiated a string of events that would ultimately lead to Black Friday for poker websites. For instance, since 2006, entries into the WSOP Main Event have declined.
The Bottom Line
From the vantage point of most Tennessee gambling legislators, it really doesn’t matter if iGaming real money legal Internet poker succeeds in New Jersey, or if neighboring states build more brick and mortar casinos and live poker betting rooms: Tennessee wants little to do with the gambling and poker betting industry. Of course, anything is possible, and one economic windfall could certainly reignite talks in TN regarding alternative revenue streams. But barring a stunning turn of events, residents of Tennessee won’t be playing regulated online poker games at lawful Internet poker websites anytime soon. Which is unfortunate considering the state’s 6.5 million residents could certainly sustain a modest online real money Internet poker community.
References
[1] ↑Two Memphis lawmakers want to know if casinos are feasible in Shelby County
[2] ↑Tennessee Code: Tennessee Gambling Laws
[3] ↑Chris Moneymaker – Bio
[4] ↑Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 – Wikipedia
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