Tennessee is set to become the 9th US State to offer legal sports betting.
This became clear on Tuesday when the state’s legislature approved of it and sent the bill to Governor Bill Lee for his signature.
Lee, who has opposed sports betting, will not sign it but will allow it to become law.
“He plans to let it become law without his signature,” his press secretary Laine Arnold told ‘The Tennessean.
“He has said he does not believe that the expansion of gambling is best. Lee recognizes, however, that many in the legislature have found this to be an issue they want to explore further,”
Tennessee following lead set by New Jersey
Following the lead set by New Jersey, Tennessee will join the six states which have legalized sports betting since May last year. That was when the PASPA measure which had outlawed sports betting for decades was struck down by the Supreme Court.
Together with the Garden State, the other five are Mississippi, West Virginia, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Sportsbetting is also legal in Nevada and Delaware, but these two states were never subject to PASPA law.
The Tennessee sports wagering bill differs greatly from others in one key aspect. It will only allow online sports wagering. No land-based betting houses such as casinos and race courses will be permitted to offer sports betting.
Online wagering, be it via a laptop using a website or a smartphone using a mobile app, is expected to begin on July 1.
No one under the age of 21 will be permitted to bet. Nor will players, coaches, and owners in matches in which they are involved. The same will apply to people who run sports betting operations or are in a position to influence a result.
In line with the Wire Act, it will also be illegal to place bets in Tennessee from outside state lines.
State legislators are expecting to bring in as much as $50 million per annum in tax. They plan to use this money to boost education and local government. They will also set up treatment facilities for gambling addiction.
