Tennessee bans sweepstakes casinos through a new law

Tennessee has passed a ban on sweepstakes casinos and so-called lottery casinos through HB 1885 / SB 2136. Governor Bill Lee signed the law on 22 May 2026. It is recorded as Public Chapter 1117 and targets digital offerings that combine payment for participation with stakes or prizes.

The law covers websites and apps

The ban is worded so that both websites and apps may be covered. The deciding factor is not simply what the service calls itself, but whether the model involves payment to participate, stakes or prizes. The law therefore targets the structure of the offering, not just the word casino in its marketing.

HB 1885 and SB 2136 refer to the same legislative process in the two chambers. The signing on 22 May 2026 and the designation Public Chapter 1117 are the specific identifiers for the enacted law. These details make it possible to distinguish the law from earlier proposals or general political debate.

Enforcement through consumer protection

The measures are linked to consumer protection. This means the model is treated as a matter of how digital offerings are presented and made available to Tennessee residents. The factual material does not give details of specific companies, particular fine levels or a full enforcement plan. Such elements should therefore not be added.

The law applies to Tennessee and should not be described as a nationwide US ban. For readers, the main conclusion is that the state has now passed an identifiable law against these types of casino and lottery models. Any details about when it takes effect and how it will be enforced in practice must be checked against the legislation itself before publication.