NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Online sports betting is on schedule to launch in Tennessee on November 1 at the latest, according to the Tennessee State Lottery.
A spokesperson said the lottery board is working to meet by the end of the month to finalize applications and background checks that are being conducted. The state currently has four vendors who've applied to be online retailers.
The sports betting bill passed through the state legislature in the spring of 2019. However, the launch date has been pushed back over the past year.
Brian Pempus, a sports betting analyst and deputy editor of TNbets.com said he's been watching Tennessee with interest as it worked to legalize betting.
"It's one of the slower states in terms of authorization and launch. So, it's good to see that's finally being on the rise. I don't think we're going to have another delay," said Pempus.
Once websites are active, bets can be placed on a number of different sports, including the current NFL season.
"It's going to have the sticker of approval of Tennessee Lottery. It's going to have that regulated vibe to it where you're going to feel like your account, your money, your account details are safe and secure," said Pempus.
One of the goals of the legalization of sports betting was to increase tax revenue for the state. Pempus thinks it will be helpful since tourism has taken such a hit in 2020.
