Gambling in Tennessee is heavily restricted, with most forms being illegal. Currently, the state only allows specific types of gambling activities while prohibiting traditional casinos, slot machines, and table games.

Here's what is legal in Tennessee:

• Tennessee State Lottery
• Online sports betting (since November 2020)
• Fantasy sports contests
• Charitable gaming events (specific occasions only)

The Tennessee State Lottery, established in 2004, offers various lottery games including Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch-off tickets. Proceeds from the lottery primarily fund education programs across the state.

Sports betting is permitted, but only through licensed online platforms. Physical sportsbooks are not allowed, making Tennessee unique as an online-only sports betting state. Popular betting apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM operate legally within state borders.

Charitable gaming is restricted to annual events approved by the state legislature. These typically include raffles, reverse raffles, and cakewalks organized by qualified non-profit organizations.

What's strictly prohibited in Tennessee:

• Land-based casinos
• Video poker machines
• Table games (blackjack, poker, roulette)
• Horse race betting
• Dog race betting

For casino gaming, Tennessee residents often travel to neighboring states like Mississippi, which has numerous casinos along its Gulf Coast and in Tunica. Many also visit North Carolina's Cherokee Casino or Kentucky's racing venues.

The minimum age for gambling in Tennessee varies by activity:

• Lottery: 18 years
• Sports betting: 21 years
• Charitable gaming: 18 years

Penalties for illegal gambling in Tennessee can be severe, ranging from misdemeanor charges for simple gambling to felony charges for operating illegal gambling businesses.

Looking ahead, there are currently no major initiatives to expand gambling options in Tennessee. The state maintains its conservative stance on gambling, focusing primarily on regulating existing legal options rather than introducing new ones.

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