Tennessee legislators have introduced a pair of companion bills that would require Tennessee sportsbooks to block the ability to place wagers on public college campuses and other college venues. These responsibilities are also shared by the campuses themselves, requiring them to deny access using campus-run internet and networks.
The proposal comes as there has been heightened national attention on responsible gambling measures and gaming harm, especially related to younger individuals.
Proposed Campus Betting Restrictions
Senate Bill 1831 (Sen. Jeff Yarbro) and House Bill 1768 (Rep. John Ray Clemmons) would require Tennessee sports betting apps to use geofencing technology to make accepting wagers on college campuses impossible. The definition of "campus" in the legislation is quite broad and goes beyond the main school property.
Some of the wording in the bills includes:
- Primary campus footprint: The boundaries of a school’s primary contiguous campus property.
- One mile satellite property rule: The definition also includes any non-contiguous property or satellite facility within one mile of the main campus boundary, only if it’s used for student residential or communal purposes. This excludes sites used solely for classrooms, maintenance, administrative purposes, or storage.
- Off-campus sports venues: Any in-state sports venue used for a sanctioned collegiate or athletic event, even if the school does not own the venue.
- Parking and adjacent facilities: The venue definition includes "contiguous or ancillary property" under venue control used for dedicated parking or event-related activities.
Additionally, if an event is happening at any of these locations, it would require an all-day block on placing wagers. This means if you go to a Vols football game, your ability to place bets at the site would be denied for the entire day Saturday, not just when the game is actually being played.
Separately, the bills also place a requirement on schools. Any public institution that provides internet or campus Wi-Fi has to prohibit access using those networks. Basically, if a university has its own internet, you wouldn't be able to place bets with sites like bet365 Tennessee while connected to the school's Wi-Fi.
Legislative Timeline
SB 1831 and HB 1768 were filed together as companion bills. As of late January 2026, SB 1831 has been introduced and passed first consideration in the Senate, while HB 1768 has been filed for introduction in the House.
If enacted, the restrictions would take effect July 1, 2026.
