Tennessee lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would make online sweepstakes casinos clearly illegal in the state. The proposal is HB 1885, with a Senate companion bill, SB 2136. The latest update is on the Senate side: a key committee voted to advance the measure, sending it to the next step in the process.
If the bill becomes law, Tennessee would treat certain sweepstakes-style casino games as a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, giving the state more options to investigate and take civil action. For players, the biggest change could be more sites blocking Tennessee access or shutting down prize play in the state.
Where The Bill Stands Right Now
In the House, HB 1885 was filed on Jan. 21, 2026, and introduced in early February. It was assigned to the Departments & Agencies Subcommittee under the State & Local Government Committee. The bill has been on the subcommittee calendar, but action has been deferred to a later date.
In the Senate, SB 2136 has moved faster. It passed early readings and was sent to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. The committee has now recommended the bill for passage with an amendment, and sent it on to the Senate Calendar Committee. That recommendation vote was 8–0, which shows strong support at that stage.
This does not mean the ban is final. The bill still needs more votes and must clear both chambers in the same form before it could reach the governor.
What The Bill Would Ban and How It Defines Sweepstakes Games
The bill takes a wide view of illegal online gambling. It says online sweepstakes games and other app-based gambling can be treated as offenses against the public health, safety, and welfare of Tennessee.
A major point is how it links sweepstakes games to virtual currency. The bill targets platforms that let players use coins or tokens that can be purchased, earned through bonuses, or received “free” through certain offers—and then exchanged for a prize, cash, or a cash equivalent.
It also focuses on what the games look like. In simple terms, the bill targets sweepstakes products that simulate casino gaming, like slots or table games, and other gambling-style contests offered online.
The bill includes carve-outs for legal gaming already allowed in Tennessee, including online sports betting, fantasy sports, nonprofit gaming, and the state lottery. So the bill is aimed at the unlicensed casino-style sweepstakes model, not the legal products Tennessee already regulates.
What Changes If It Becomes Law
The biggest difference is enforcement. The bill would treat certain sweepstakes-related conduct as a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. That can matter because consumer protection laws allow civil remedies like restraining orders and injunctions, and they can be used to pressure companies to stop operating in the state.
The proposal also expands the investigative authority of the Tennessee Attorney General. Under the bill, the Attorney General could demand written reports, request documents, and examine people under oath in certain investigations. It also includes confidentiality rules for materials gathered during enforcement work.
Another key piece involves oversight bodies tied to sports wagering and fantasy sports. The bill expands investigation powers for the state’s wagering regulator, allowing it to look into complaints not only about licensees, but also “other persons” connected to violations.
For sweepstakes casino operators, the practical result could be a faster path for Tennessee to push them out of the market. For players, it could mean more websites adding Tennessee to restricted-state lists, tighter geolocation checks, and fewer options for prize-style play.