Tennessee Officially Launches Sports Betting Market

On Sunday, November 1st, sports betting has been officially launched in the state of Tennessee. Major operators – DraftKings, BetMGM and FanDuel, as well as Action247, have begun their sportsbook operations.

The market’s regulator is the Tennessee lottery that confirmed on Friday that operators are allowed to take bets from players over 21 years of age and are physically located in the state.

A Promising Market

Lottery president and CEO, Rebecca Paul Hargrove said:

“This Sunday will represent the culmination of an enormous amount of work and due diligence to bring online-only sports wagering to Tennessee, the only state in the nation to do so. As the regulator, today also represents the beginning of a new stage as we establish and a responsible and competitive program here.

We will continue to work with all licensees, registrants and applicants to protect the consumer, promote fairness in sports and regulate this new Tennessee industry that provides critical funds to the state and local governments.”

FanDuel and DraftKings said they would begin taking sports bets on November 1st on the host of NFL games.

DraftKings North America president and cofounder, Matt Kalish, said that DraftKings sportsbook will continue to expand across North America. He confirmed his excitement to launch the company’s sportsbook in Tennessee.

He commented on the fanbases that follow the local professional teams that makes it certain that Tennessee will be one of the most engaged skin-in-the-game sports markets.

Other Operators

Ex-Tennessee Titans running back, Eddie George, has placed the ceremonial first bet on FanDuel’s platform.

FanDuel’s CMO, Mike Raffensperger said:

“We know how ionate sports fans in the state of Tennessee are and we are no different, but our true ion is all about our customers

We are excited to offer a sports betting app experience that brings fans closer to the game with a number of unique sports betting opportunities, promotions and offers right in the palm of their hands.”

BetMGM’s CEO, Adam Greenblat, said himself that the brand has been eagerly working with Tennessee regulators to make this historic launch possible.

Locally-based Action247 is competing with these three major operators. They got their license in October. These four operators are the only ones with the license so far.

Tennessee is the first US state to allow mobile and online wagering without land-based requirement.

Source:

“Sports betting launches in Tennessee”, igbnorthamerica.com, November 2nd, 2020.