How To Bet On Sports In Tennessee: A Beginners Guide to Betting in TN

Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

With Tennessee sports betting being legal and live, it's important to know how to bet on sports. 

For those who are new to sports betting, you'll need to learn how to bet on sports. We built this complete sports betting guide for Tennessee bettors who want to find out how to wager and win their bets on sports. 

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in TN. Gambling Problem? Call or Text the Tennessee REDLINE: 800-889-9789. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
Live Betting Yes
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Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
4
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
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Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, NJ, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? In AZ call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342. NJ, TN, VA CALL 1-800-GAMBLER.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required

How Does Sports Betting Work in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, sports betting operates through licensed online sportsbooks. You'll need to open an account with an online sportsbook and once registered, choose the event you'd want to bet on. Check if you like the odds and place your bets. While doing so, we also recommend all bettors shop around to get the best odds and look for the best Tennessee sports betting promos

How Do I Place a Sports Bet in Tennessee?

Placing a sports bet in Tennessee is an easy process, even for new bettors. All you need to do is select any of the available Tennessee mobile betting apps and follow these simple steps:

  1. Sign up with a sports betting account
  2. Make a minimum deposit - usually $5-$10.
  3. Claim the wagering promo
  4. Browse the available markets and find a sport you want to wager on
  5. Add your bet to the betslip
  6. Complete the process and wait to see if you've won.

Legal Requirements for Sports Betting in Tennessee

Before you place a legal bet in Tennessee you will need to:

  • Be at least 21 years of age or older
  • Be located within the state lines
  • Turn on your geolocation
  • Provide the last 4 of your Social Security Number for tax purposes
  • You do not need to be a resident of Tennessee

Should I Claim the Offer if I'm New to Betting?

Offers can be great for any new sports bettor, especially for those of you that are just learning on how to bet. Many of these offers will allow you to make a bet and will return your money in the form of bonus bets if that bet loses. You don't need to bet the maximum amount, but you can start with something small like $10 to get a feel for the brand. We would recommend trying a promo or two out to practice your betting strategies. 

However, our favorite sports betting promo available now is the Fanatics Sportsbook Tennessee promo, which allows bettors to earn up to $100 in bonus bets every day for 10 days straight. 

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

How Do I Read Betting Lines?

Understanding betting lines is essential for sports betting in Tennessee. Betting lines provide information on the odds and potential payouts for a particular wager. The three main types of odds formats are American odds, fractional odds, and decimal odds. In American odds, a positive number indicates the potential profit on a $100 bet, while a negative number represents the amount needed to wager to win $100. Fractional odds display the potential profit relative to the stake, and decimal odds represent the total payout, including the original stake.

To illustrate, consider a scenario where the Tennessee Titans have American odds of +150 to win a football game. A $100 bet on the Titans would yield a $150 profit if they win, and the total return would be $250 (original $100 stake plus $150 profit). Conversely, if the odds were -120, you would need to wager $120 to win $100, with a total return of $220 if successful. Fractional odds of 3/2 would mean a $100 bet could result in a $150 profit, and decimal odds of 2.50 imply a total return of $250 on a $100 wager.

Fanatics Sportsbook Tennessee is one of the platforms where bettors can find and place wagers on various sports events. This online sportsbook offers a user-friendly interface with comprehensive information on betting lines. Users can navigate the platform to explore different sports, view odds, and make informed decisions based on their understanding of betting lines. Fanatics Sportsbook provides a convenient and accessible platform for Tennessee residents to engage in sports betting, with the betting lines serving as a crucial tool for making strategic and informed wagers.

Positive Odds

Positive odds, often referred to as the "plus" or "underdog" odds, are expressed with a positive (+) sign. These odds represent the potential profit on a $100 bet. For example, if a team has odds of +200 on BetMGM Tennessee, a $100 wager would result in a $200 profit if the bet is successful, with the total return being $300 (original $100 stake plus $200 profit). Positive odds are typically associated with outcomes that are considered less likely to occur, and a successful bet yields a profit in addition to the original stake.

Negative Odds

Negative odds, also known as "minus" or "favorite" odds, are represented with a negative (-) sign. They indicate the amount one needs to wager to win $100. If, for instance, FanDuel Tennessee displays odds of -150 for a team, a $150 bet is required to earn a $100 profit, resulting in a total return of $250 (original $150 stake plus $100 profit). Negative odds are commonly associated with outcomes considered more likely to happen, and they showcase the amount one must wager to achieve a specific profit.

Even Odds

Even odds, or "even money," refer to a situation where the potential profit is equal to the original stake. If Caesars Sportsbook TN offers even odds of 1.00 on a particular outcome, a $100 bet would result in a $100 profit, with the total return being $200 (original $100 stake plus $100 profit). Even odds indicate a perceived 50/50 probability of the outcome occurring, making it a balanced wager where the profit equals the initial investment.

American Odds vs European Odds

American odds and European odds are two distinct formats used to represent betting odds, and they convey information in different ways.

American Odds:

  • American odds are also known as moneyline odds.
  • They can be expressed as either positive or negative numbers.
  • Positive odds (e.g., +150) indicate the potential profit on a $100 bet. In this example, a $100 bet would yield a $150 profit if successful, and the total return would be $250 (original $100 stake plus $150 profit).
  • Negative odds (e.g., -120) represent the amount one needs to wager to win $100. In this case, a $120 bet would result in a $100 profit, and the total return would be $220 (original $120 stake plus $100 profit).
  • American odds help determine the potential profit or amount to wager for a given outcome.

European Odds:

  • European odds are also called decimal odds.
  • They are presented as a decimal number that represents the total return, including the original stake.
  • The decimal number represents the amount one wins for every unit staked. For example, odds of 2.50 mean a $100 bet would result in a total return of $250 ($100 original stake plus $150 profit).
  • European odds provide a straightforward representation of the total payout, making it easy to calculate potential returns.

Common Sports Betting Types in Tennessee

From moneyline bets on the Nashville Predators to futures bets on the Titans Super Bowl Odds, Tennessee offers a variety of betting types for every sports bettor. 

  • Moneylines Moneylines represent the odds associated with the outright winner of a game or event. Positive (+) odds indicate the potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative (-) odds show the amount needed to wager to win $100. For example, if BetMGM displays a moneyline of +150 for the Nashville Predators in a hockey game, a $100 bet would result in a $150 profit if they win, with a total return of $250.
  • Point Spreads Point spreads involve betting on the margin of victory in a game. Sportsbooks like FanDuel Tennessee may set a point spread for a football match, where a team is either favored or underdog by a certain number of points. Bettors can choose to wager on a team to win by more points than the spread (cover) or to keep the margin closer. For instance, if the Tennessee Titans are -7.5 against the Indianapolis Colts, they need to win by eight or more points for a bet on them to be successful.
  • Over/Unders (Totals) Over/unders, or totals, allow bettors to wager on whether the combined score of both teams in a game will be over or under a specified number. For example, if Caesars Sportsbook sets the over/under for a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at 220 points, bettors can place a wager on whether the total points scored will be above or below that figure.
  • Parlays Parlays involve combining multiple individual bets into a single wager for increased odds and higher potential payouts. Bettors can include moneylines, point spreads, or over/unders in a parlay. If a bettor on BetMGM creates a parlay with bets on the Nashville Predators moneyline and the Tennessee Titans point spread, both outcomes must be correct for the parlay to win, resulting in a larger combined payout.
  • Futures Futures bets are wagers on events that will occur in the future, such as predicting the champion of a league or tournament. A Tennessee sports fan on FanDuel might place a futures bet on the Nashville SC to win the next MLS Cup. The bet is settled at the conclusion of the season.
  • Prop Bets Prop bets, or proposition bets, are wagers on specific events or individual player performances within a game. For example, DraftKings might offer prop bets on the number of touchdowns a quarterback scores or the total rebounds by a specific player in a basketball game.
  • Live Bets or In-Game Bets Live betting, also known as in-play or in-game betting, allows bettors to place wagers on ongoing events. They can adjust their bets based on real-time game developments. If watching a live stream of a Tennessee Titans football game, a bettor on FanDuel could place a live bet on the outcome, such as the next team to score or the total points in a quarter.
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in TN. Gambling Problem? Call or Text the Tennessee REDLINE: 800-889-9789. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Most Popular Sports To Bet On In Tennessee

The NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB are the most popular sports to bet on, not only in Tennessee, but in the entire US. Fortunately, TN hosts teams in three of those four leagues. Every sport offers unique betting opportunities, especially when it comes to our local teams. 

  • NFL Betting NFL betting involves wagering on various aspects of National Football League games. Bettors can place bets on point spreads, moneylines, totals (over/unders), and prop bets for games involving the Tennessee Titans. For instance, a bet on the Titans' moneyline might involve predicting whether they will win a specific game.
  • NBA Betting NBA betting in Tennessee allows fans to wager on basketball games, particularly those involving teams like the Memphis Grizzlies. Bettors can engage in point spread bets, moneyline bets, totals, and prop bets. An example could be placing a bet on the Grizzlies' point spread to predict whether they will win by a certain margin in a given game.
  • NHL Betting NHL betting encompasses wagers on National Hockey League games, such as those involving the Nashville Predators. Tennessee sports bettors can participate in moneyline bets, puck line bets (similar to point spreads), over/under bets, and prop bets. A bet on the Predators' total goals in a game could be an example of an NHL bet.
  • MLB Betting MLB betting in Tennessee involves wagering on baseball games, including those featuring the Tennessee-based team, the Nashville Sounds. Bettors can place moneyline bets, run line bets (similar to point spreads), totals bets, and prop bets. For instance, a bet on the total runs scored in a Nashville Sounds game represents an MLB betting opportunity.
  • Golf Betting Golf betting in Tennessee allows enthusiasts to wager on professional golf tournaments. Bettors can participate in outright winner bets, each-way bets, and prop bets, predicting outcomes such as a specific player's performance. An example might be placing a bet on a golfer like Justin Thomas to win a PGA Tour event.
  • Soccer Betting Soccer betting includes wagering on various soccer leagues and matches, such as Major League Soccer (MLS) games featuring teams like Nashville SC. Tennessee sports bettors can engage in moneyline bets, spread bets, totals, and prop bets. A bet on the outcome of a Nashville SC match is an example of soccer betting in the state.
  • College Sports Betting College sports betting in Tennessee covers a range of collegiate competitions, including football and basketball. Bettors can place bets on point spreads, moneylines, totals, and prop bets for college teams like the Tennessee Volunteers or Vanderbilt Commodores. An example could be wagering on the point spread for a Tennessee Volunteers football game.

Tips for Betting on Sports in Tennessee

Sports betting has been available in Tennessee for some time, so it helps to know some tips to help your betting. 

Shop Around

When engaging in sports betting in Tennessee, it's essential to shop around and explore multiple online sportsbooks, such as Fanatics, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars. Different platforms may offer varying odds and promotions for the same event, allowing bettors to maximize potential profits. Taking the time to compare options ensures that you secure the best possible value for your wagers.

Set A Limit

Establishing a betting limit is crucial for responsible gambling. Before placing any bets on NFL, NBA, or other sports events in Tennessee, determine a budget you're comfortable with and stick to it. This practice helps prevent excessive losses and ensures that sports betting remains an enjoyable form of entertainment rather than a financial strain.

Understand Home-Field Advantage

Recognizing the impact of home-field advantage is key when betting on teams like the Tennessee Titans or Memphis Grizzlies. Home teams often perform better due to factors like familiar surroundings and crowd support. Consider this factor in your analysis and be aware of any adjustments in odds influenced by a team playing at home.

Monitor Line Movement

Keeping an eye on line movements is a valuable strategy in Tennessee sports betting. Lines can shift based on factors like injuries, weather conditions, or public betting patterns. Understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions, and platforms like BetMGM may provide real-time updates on line movements, allowing you to adjust your bets accordingly.

Start Betting on Sports in Tennessee

In conclusion, embarking on the journey of sports betting in Tennessee requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. By leveraging tips such as shopping around for the best odds across platforms like FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars, setting personal betting limits to ensure responsible gambling, and recognizing the impact of home-field advantage on teams like the Tennessee Titans and Memphis Grizzlies, bettors can enhance their overall experience. 

Additionally, staying vigilant and monitoring line movements, especially with real-time updates from platforms like BetMGM, allows for dynamic adjustments to capitalize on changing odds. With a mindful and informed approach, sports enthusiasts in Tennessee can transform their passion for local teams and events into a thrilling and potentially rewarding sports betting experience. As you embark on your journey to start betting on sports in Tennessee, remember that responsible gambling is key, ensuring that the thrill of the game remains enjoyable while minimizing risks.

How To Bet On Sports In Tennessee FAQs

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The experts at BetTennessee.com who bring you the latest updates in Tennessee sports betting. We pull together decades of experience to give you analysis as well as comparisons of the best TN online gambling apps.