Tennessee’s sports betting market experienced a notable downturn in June 2025, with the state reporting its lowest handle since August 2024. According to data released by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, total gross betting handle for the month stood at $350.9 million—a 19.8% decrease from May’s $437.5 million, but still a 2.5% increase over June 2024.
Before adjustments, gross wagers reached $352.5 million. After applying $1.5 million in undisclosed adjustments, the figure dropped to $350.9 million. Despite the monthly dip, Tennessee still outpaced last June by 2.2%.
Tax Revenue Steady Despite Withheld Earnings
Tennessee, the only U.S. state to levy sports betting taxes based on handle rather than revenue, collected $6.5 million in tax income during June. However, exact revenue figures remain unknown, as the state has not released those numbers since July 2023.
Eleven online sportsbooks are currently authorized to operate in the state, including industry leaders like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, Bally Bet, and Hard Rock Bet. Tennessee remains the largest online-only sports betting market in the country.
State Cracks Down on Offshore Operators
Alongside its monthly performance report, the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council revealed ongoing efforts to shut down illegal sportsbooks operating without licenses. Five offshore sites—BetAnySports, Bookmaker, JazzSports (all based in Costa Rica), BetOnline (Panama), and Everygame (Curacao)—each received $50,000 fines for unlicensed operations.
“Consumers in Tennessee need to be aware that illegal operators will gladly take their money and personal information, and if a consumer does business with an illegal book, they give away their information to criminals,” said Mary Beth Thomas, Executive Director of the Sports Wagering Council.
In addition to those five, Lowvig and Sportsbetting.ag were also fined $50,000 each after continuing to operate despite cease-and-desist orders earlier this year. These penalties follow action taken against Bovada, which was fined before ultimately leaving the Tennessee market.
Enforcement and Consumer Protection Efforts Continue
Thomas emphasized that licensed sportsbooks in Tennessee must meet rigorous standards to gain approval and maintain compliance. Illegal operators, by contrast, are known to sidestep essential safeguards, including age verification, secure handling of customer funds, and data protection.
The Council noted that many unauthorized sportsbooks can be identified by certain red flags, such as accepting cryptocurrency, offering credit-based betting, or promoting real-money online casino games—all of which violate Tennessee gambling laws.
Fines for illegal operators start at $10,000 for a first offense and rise to $25,000 for a third. Each wager taken after that can be considered a separate violation, each carrying an additional $25,000 penalty.
Despite the monthly downturn, Tennessee’s market remains active and closely monitored, with officials focused on both regulating the legal sector and eliminating unlawful competitors.
Source:
“Tennessee sports betting handle dips to 10-month low in June”, igamingbusiness.com, Jul 15, 2025
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