Tennessee Legalises Online-Only Sports Betting Before Any Other State
Back in mid-2018, the United States Supreme Court struck down a longstanding federal law which outlawed the practice of sports betting in the majority of states. This law had long prevented any kind of sports betting. Additionally, it had prevented any form of esports betting from emerging in the US. Meanwhile, online casino games had had to steer clear of sports-related services. Ever since the law was struck down, states have been gradually passing laws legalising sports betting. Tennessee recently passed a somewhat unusual one; they have become the first state to legalise “online-only” sports betting.
Tennessee Legalises ‘Online-Only’ Sports Betting
The Tennessee Sports Gaming Act recently passed through the state’s General Assembly, despite lacking the signature of the Tennessee governor. The act legalises online sports betting, but interestingly, only online sports betting. While other states have legalised sports betting in general, Tennessee is the first to legalise online-only sports betting. The state will still have no physical casinos or sportsbooks. Despite fierce opposition within the state government, with opponents citing gambling addiction as their primary concern, the change will go into effect on the 1st of July.
Tennessee governor Bill Lee did not actually sign the act, but allowed it to pass anyway. In a statement, Lee said that; “I do not believe the expansion of gambling through online sports betting is in the best interest of our state, but I appreciate the General Assembly’s efforts to remove brick and mortar establishments.” He went on to explain that while he remains “philosophically opposed,” to gambling, he was willing to compromise to allow the act to pass. He did state that he would veto any future attempts to introduce physical casinos to Tennessee.
A further compromise was added to the act through an amendment by opposing representatives. This amendment ensures that some of the revenue generated by such betting will go towards funding the treatment of gambling addiction, local education, and so on. Additionally, the act does require that companies acquire commercial licenses in order to operate sports betting services within the state.