Are Casinos Legal In Tennessee
- As mentioned, there are no land-based casinos in Tennessee. Local gambling enthusiasts are forced to drive to Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, or North Carolina to enjoy legal slots or table games. The situation is even bleaker for people looking to play online, seeing as none of the neighboring states have legalized internet gambling so far.
- The Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law allows eligible 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) organizations to hold an annual “game of chance” fundraising event. In order to conduct such an event, an organization must file the following with the division.
Introduction to Tennessee Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020
Tennessee slot machine casino gambling does not exist. This state has no land-based casinos including commercial or tribal casinos. There are no slot machines available.
This post continues my weekly State-By-State Slot Machine Casino Gambling Series, an online resource dedicated to guiding slot machine casino gambler to success. Now in its third year, each weekly post reviews slots gambling in a single U.S. state, territory, or federal district.
Tennessee has no casinos of any sort inside its borders. So, it came as a bit of a surprise when the Volunteer State moved forward with a bill to legalize sports betting in May 2019. Tennessee is now the first state with sports betting as an online-only enterprise.
Keep Reading … or Watch Instead!
Or … Listen Instead!
Find my podcast wherever you listen to audio!
Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Tennessee*
The minimum legal gambling age in Tennessee depends upon the gambling activity:
- Land-Based Casinos: Not available
- Poker Rooms: Not available
- Bingo: 18
- Lottery: 18
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering: Not available
Article XI, Section 5 of the 2014 Tennessee Constitution prohibits games of chance including slot machines, roulette wheels, and more.
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws might apply to various forms of gaming. It is not legal advice.
Slot Machine Private Ownership in Tennessee
It is illegal to own a slot machine privately in the state of Tennessee.
Gaming Control Board in Tennessee
Tennessee has no state gaming commission as the state constitution prohibits games of chance. However, it does have both a state lottery commission and a charitable gaming division.
The state lottery commission is the Tennessee Education Lottery (TEL). In late 2002, voters approved the TEL. Tickets began to sell in early 2004. Since then, it has raised more than $4 billion for education programs up to and including two-year college institutions.
The Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming under the Tennessee Secretary of State is responsible for enforcing the Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law. This law allows eligible organizations to hold a single, annual games-of-chance fundraising event.
However, approval to hold such an event requires a two-thirds vote of approval by the General Assembly.
Casinos in Tennessee
There are no casinos in Tennessee.
Commercial Casinos in Tennessee
There are no commercial casinos in Tennessee.
Tribal Casinos in Tennessee
There are no tribal casinos in Tennessee. Further, Tennessee has no federally-recognized American Indian tribes.
Other Gambling Establishments
As an alternative to enjoying Tennessee slot machine casino gambling, consider exploring casino options in a nearby state. Bordering Tennessee is:
- North: Kentucky Slots and Virginia Slots
- East: North Carolina Slots
- South: Alabama Slots, Georgia Slots, and Mississippi Slots
- West: Arkansas Slots and Missouri Slots
Each of the links above will take you to my blog for that neighboring U.S. state to Tennessee.
Our Tennessee Slots Facebook Group
Are you interested in sharing and learning with other slots enthusiasts in Tennessee? If so, join our new Tennessee slots community on Facebook. All you’ll need is a Facebook profile to join this closed Facebook Group freely.
There, you’ll be able to privately share your slots experiences as well as chat with players about slots gambling in Tennessee. Join us!
Payout Returns in Tennessee
Neither theoretical payout limits nor return statistics are available for Tennessee.
Summary of Tennessee Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020
Tennessee slot machine casino gambling does not exist. It has no casinos nor are any slot machines available. Likewise, there are no tribal casinos.
Are Slot Machines Legal In Tennessee
Charitable fundraising events exist with approval from the Tennessee General Assembly. Tennessee has recently expanded its gaming opportunities by legalizing fantasy sports betting. It also has a state lottery.
Are Casinos Illegal In Tennessee
Annual Progress in Tennessee Slot Machine Casino Gambling
In the last year, there has been little to no change to the slots gaming industry in Tennessee.
Other State-By-State Articles from Professor Slots
- Previous: South Dakota Slot Machine Casino Gambling
- Next: Texas Slot Machine Casino Gambling
Have fun, be safe, and make good choices!
By Jon H. Friedl, Jr. Ph.D., President
Jon Friedl, LLC