Tennessee Online Poker: Legal Status, Sweepstakes Options, and What’s Next

Tennessee does not currently offer regulated real-money online poker, even though the state operates one of the largest online sports betting markets in the United States. Unlike many states, Tennessee does not have land-based casinos, and its gaming framework is limited primarily to the lottery and online sports betting.

Because regulated online poker is not legal, players in Tennessee cannot access licensed platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker. Instead, those looking to play online typically turn to sweepstakes-based poker platforms or free-play poker apps, which operate under different legal structures.

Tennessee has shown willingness to regulate online wagering through its sports betting model, but lawmakers have not advanced legislation to legalize online casino gaming. In the US online poker market, poker is typically treated as a casino game and implemented through regulation rather than separate legislation.

This guide explains the current legal status of online poker in Tennessee, the sweepstakes options available today, and what would need to change for regulated online poker to become a possibility in the Volunteer State.

Is Online Poker Legal in Tennessee?

Online poker is not legal or regulated in Tennessee. The state does not license real-money online poker sites, and players cannot legally deposit and withdraw funds on platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Tennessee has a unique gambling framework. The state operates a lottery and allows online sports betting, but it does not have land-based casinos. Online casino gaming — including online poker — has not been authorized under state law.

Because online poker is typically regulated as part of an online casino framework in US iGaming states, Tennessee would first need to legalize online casino gaming before online poker could be considered. At this time, there is no active regulatory structure or legislative pathway for online casinos in the Volunteer State.

Until Tennessee expands its gambling laws, regulated real-money online poker remains unavailable.

Sweepstakes Online Poker in Tennessee

While Tennessee does not regulate real-money online poker, sweepstakes-based poker platforms have operated in the state under a sweepstakes promotional model. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations. Availability in Tennessee may change due to ongoing enforcement activity.

Sweepstakes poker platforms use a dual-currency system. Players purchase Gold (free-play) Coins and typically receive Sweepstakes Coins as a reward. Sweepstakes Coins can be used in eligible poker games and may be redeemed for cash prizes, subject to each platform’s terms and verification process.

Because sweepstakes poker is structured as a promotional model rather than traditional gambling, it has historically been available in states like Tennessee where online casinos and regulated online poker are not permitted.

It’s important to understand that sweepstakes poker sites are not regulated by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council. Game formats, liquidity, prize redemption rules, and player protections differ from those found in regulated online poker markets.

For a broader explanation of how this model works, see our Sweepstakes Online Poker Guide.

Regulatory Scrutiny of Sweepstakes Platforms in Tennessee

Tennessee has recently taken a stricter position toward certain online sweepstakes operators. In late 2025, the Attorney General’s office issued cease-and-desist letters to dozens of platforms it alleged were operating illegally under state law.

Following this action, Global Poker and Stake US exited the Tennessee market and no longer operate in the state.

Other sweepstakes poker platforms, including Clubs Poker and ClubWPT Gold, remain accessible as of early 2026. However, the regulatory environment is evolving, and availability may change depending on future enforcement actions.

The Attorney General’s office characterized certain sweepstakes casino operations as unlawful gambling activity under Tennessee law. This enforcement action has created uncertainty around the future of sweepstakes gaming in the state.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites Available in Tennessee

Because Tennessee does not regulate real-money online poker, sweepstakes-based poker platforms are currently the primary way players in the state can play online poker for cash-equivalent prizes. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations. Availability may change due to ongoing enforcement activity.

Below are informational profiles of sweepstakes poker platforms available to Tennessee players. These are not rankings. For a broader explanation of how this model works, see our Sweepstakes Online Poker Guide.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a sweepstakes-based online poker platform designed to resemble a traditional online poker room. Players purchase gold (free-play) coins and typically receive sweepstakes coins as a reward. Sweepstakes coins can be used in eligible poker games and redeemed for cash prizes, subject to verification.

The platform focuses primarily on No-Limit Texas Hold’em and offers both cash-game-style tables and tournament formats. Learn more in our Clubs Poker review.

Global Poker (No Longer Available in Tennessee)

Global Poker previously operated in Tennessee under a sweepstakes model. However, following enforcement action by the Tennessee Attorney General in December 2025, the platform exited the state and no longer accepts Tennessee players.

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes poker platform operated by the World Poker Tour brand. It combines elements of subscription poker with sweepstakes-style prize redemptions and focuses on tournament-friendly No-Limit Texas Hold’em action.

Players purchase gold coins and can enter games that award prizes redeemable for cash. Read more in our ClubWPT Gold review.

Stake.us Poker (No Longer Available in Tennessee)

Stake US previously offered sweepstakes-based gaming, including poker-style games, to Tennessee players. Following the state’s December 2025 enforcement action against online sweepstakes operators, Stake US exited the Tennessee market.

Free-Play Poker in Tennessee

Tennessee players can also play online poker for free through a variety of free-play and social poker platforms. These sites do not involve real-money wagering and are designed for entertainment and practice rather than cash prizes.

Popular free-play poker options include Zynga Poker, Replay Poker, Governor of Poker, and Poker Patio. Free poker games are also available on social media platforms, and many major poker brands offer free-to-play versions of their games.

Because there is no real money at stake, free-play poker is best suited for new players who want to learn hand rankings, betting mechanics, and overall game flow without financial risk. However, gameplay on free-play sites does not fully reflect real-money poker strategy, since players are not risking their own funds.

Free-play poker is legal and widely accessible in Tennessee, but players looking for cash-equivalent prizes typically turn to sweepstakes-based poker platforms instead.

What’s Next for Online Poker in Tennessee?

Tennessee currently has no framework for online casino gaming, and lawmakers have not advanced proposals to legalize online poker. The state’s gambling structure is limited primarily to the lottery and online sports betting, which launched in 2020.

Unlike many states, Tennessee does not have land-based casinos. Any move toward online casino gaming would likely require significant legislative change and potentially broader debate about expanding gambling in the state. Because online poker is typically regulated as part of an online casino framework in US iGaming markets, Tennessee would first need to legalize online casinos before online poker could be considered.

At this time, there is no active legislative effort to authorize online casinos in Tennessee, making regulated online poker unlikely in the near term. Even if lawmakers were to revisit the issue, implementation would require rulemaking, licensing, and regulatory oversight before any launch could occur.

For now, Tennessee players remain limited to sweepstakes-based poker platforms and free-play poker options.

Tennessee Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee does not regulate real-money online poker. Players cannot legally play on licensed poker platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Can you play online poker for money in Tennessee?

Tennessee players cannot access regulated real-money poker sites. However, some sweepstakes-based poker platforms continue to operate in the state, allowing players to redeem prizes for cash under sweepstakes rules. Availability may change due to enforcement activity.

Are sweepstakes poker sites legal in Tennessee?

Sweepstakes poker platforms operate under US sweepstakes law rather than traditional gambling regulation. However, Tennessee officials have taken enforcement action against certain sweepstakes operators, creating legal uncertainty around the model in the state.

Does Tennessee have any regulated online gambling?

Yes. Tennessee regulates online sports betting but does not allow land-based casinos or online casino gaming. Online poker has not been legalized.

Will Tennessee legalize online poker?

There is currently no active legislative effort to legalize online casinos in Tennessee. Because online poker is typically regulated as part of an online casino framework in US iGaming states, Tennessee would first need to authorize online casino gaming before poker could be considered.

When could online poker launch in Tennessee?

There is no clear timeline. Any expansion to include online casino gaming would require legislative approval and regulatory development before online poker could launch.

Can I play PokerStars or WSOP Online in Tennessee?

No. PokerStars and WSOP Online only operate in states where online poker is legal and regulated. Neither platform is currently available in Tennessee.

Are offshore online poker sites legal in Tennessee?

Some offshore poker sites accept players from Tennessee, but Pokerfuse does not recommend using them. These sites are not regulated by US authorities and offer limited consumer protections compared to legal alternatives.