Tennessee legislation · 114th General Assembly
Tennessee HB1885: AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 4, Chapter 49; Title 8, Chapter 6, Part 4; Title 40, Chapter 2 and Title 47, relative to illegal activity.
Status: Chaptered, May 27, 2026
Fiscal Summary NOT SIGNIFICANT Bill Summary This bill prohibits gambling; the operation of gambling devices; and the operation, conducting, or commercial promoting of online sweepstakes games and other forms of online or app-based gambling as offenses against the public health, safety, and welfare of this state. However, "gambling" does not include a lawful business transaction; annual events operated for the benefit of nonprofit organizations authorized by the general assembly; a state lottery authorized by amendment to the Constitution of Tennessee, if approved by the general assembly; a fantasy sports contest in accordance with the Fantasy Sports Act; lawfully accepting or placing a wager on a sporting event in accordance with the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act; or a low-level sports entertainment pool. This bill provides that the following acts violate the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 and are subject to the penalties and remedies of that Act, which includes, but is not limited to, restraining orders, injunctions, private rights of action, and damages: Offering or accepting wagers or entry fees for gambling to a person located within this state. Operating, conducting, or commercially promoting online sweepstakes games or other forms of online or app-based gambling within this state. Selling or distributing gambling devices within this state. Permitting gambling devices to be operated upon premises owned, leased, managed, or otherwise controlled by a person within this state. Supporting, facilitating, or assisting in the operation of online sweepstakes games or other gambling within this state. This bill prohibits costs for bringing an action for the above violations from being taxed to the attorney general or this state. Further, information and documents received, created,
What the bill says
From the amended text:
House Finance, Ways, and Means 1 Amendment No. 2 to HB1885 Hicks G Signature of Sponsor AMEND S e n ate Bill No. 2136 House Bill No. 1885* by deleting all language after the caption and substituting: WHEREAS, other forms of illegal gambling are becoming widespread, including gambling machines, slot machines, and other forms of internet-based and electronic gambling that are advertised as legal and legitimate; and WHEREAS, there exists a need to continue to protect Tennesseans from the potential risks of illegal gambling and to enact laws and regulations related to consumer protection and safety as it relates to illegal gaming; and WHEREAS, the Attorney General and Reporter should be empowered with the tools to properly investigate violations of law, including illegal gambling; now, therefore, SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, Chapter 18, is amended by adding the following new part: 47-18-5901. Part definitions. As used in this (2) "Gambling device" means a gambling device or record as defined in § 39-17-501; (3) "Individual" means a natural person; and (4) "Person" means an individual, business entity, trust, or other organization or entity. 47-18-5902. Prohibition. HA1152 (a) Gambling; the operation or possession of gambling devices; and the operation, conducting, or commercial promotion of online or app-based gambling are unlawful and are offenses against the public health, safety, and welfare …