Tennessee’s Senate Approves SB2136; Bill Now Moves to House

Officially engrossed by the Senate last March 2nd, SB2136 is on track to solidify the Tennessee’s campaign against sweepstakes casinos and games. 

As introduced, SB2136 clarifies that illegal gambling and related activities as “violation of the Tennesee Consumer Protection Act”, and expands the enforcement authority of the sports wagering council to investigate illegal gambling activities.

SB2136 is one of two state bills that aim to end swestakes casino games. House Bill 1885, its counterpart legislation, remains stuck in the House Deparments & Agencies Subcommittee, and awaits another hearing this March 10th.

House legislators has until April 24th to tackle these bills before the year’s legislative session ends.

Quick Review of SB2136 and HB1885

On January 23rd, Senators Ferrell Haile and Paul Rose introduced and filed SB2136 which aims to outlaw sweepstakes casino games. The bill redefines illegal gambling, targets the sweepstake casino model, and expands the authority ofthe sports wagering council.

• SB2136 shares HB1885’s language by defining online sweepstakes casinos as platforms that operate using the dual-currency model, where at least one virtual currency (such as the Sweeps Coin) is redeemable for prizes or cash.

• Both bills classify the sweepstakes model as “illegal gambling”, and tags it under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. According to the bills’ language, violations are considered deceptive or unfair acts.

• The bills’ language is intentionally broad, covering websites or even apps that rely on the dual-currency model and offer casino-style games, such as slots, video poker, and table games.

• Instead of the traditional gambling charges, violators could face civil penalties, and fines of up to $15,000 per violation.

What is the Bill’s Current Status?

Tennessee’s Senate has unanimously approved SB2136, sending it to the House, for consideration together with HB1885. With its bipartisan support, early operator exits, and last year’s enforcement action of the state’s Attorney General, we expect a smooth sailing for the bill. 

If passed, the state become formally offlimits to sweepstakes casino games by late August or early September 2026.

REFERENCES

• SB2136