There is an old joke that the busiest poker room in Tennessee is actually in Tunica, Mississippi. That is because the Volunteer State does not have any licensed poker rooms of its own, and Tennessee online poker is not regulated by the state either.
Even so, many players continue to enjoy poker from home by using offshore poker sites. These international platforms accept players from Tennessee and offer real money tournaments, cash games, and bonuses with no legal consequences for individuals who choose to play.
On this page, we will walk you through what online poker looks like in the state, including the legal landscape, how offshore sites operate, and which poker platforms stand out for local players.
Online Poker in Tennessee Overview
Online Poker
Available - Offshore Only
Commercial Poker
Available
Legal Gambling Age
18+
State Gambling Regulator
Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in Tennessee?
Yes, players in Tennessee can access real money online poker through offshore sites that legally accept users from the United States. While these platforms are not licensed or regulated by Tennessee authorities, they operate under international gaming licenses and have served American players for years. State law does not explicitly ban individuals from playing on these sites, making them a common and accessible choice for poker enthusiasts in the state.
Top Sites for Online Poker in Tennessee
We've reviewed and tested dozens of offshore poker rooms to identify the most reliable and rewarding options for Tennessee players. These sites earned top marks for reliability, active tables, and ease of use. Each platform offers something unique, whether you're after soft competition, bonuses, or a rewarding loyalty program.
Tennessee users get a polished experience on Ignition, with stable gameplay and an interface that runs cleanly across mobile and desktop. Anonymous seating protects less experienced players, while features like quick-seat, hand history, and Zone Poker help streamline play. Whether you’re in for a short session or grinding tournaments, everything loads quickly and functions without lag. For users who prioritize reliability over flashy extras, it’s an excellent low-friction poker site.
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best Reward Program
The VIP system rewards volume with up to 40% rakeback via a tiered structure, making it attractive for grinders and committed regulars. The daily tournament calendar is steady, with weekend events offering bigger prize pools. The site handles both crypto and traditional banking well, with reliable payouts. While the software feels dated, it’s stable and functional. Players in Tennessee who value cash-back perks and loyalty-based rewards will find the ecosystem especially worthwhile.
Everygame Poker earns high marks in Tennessee for its responsive and reliable customer support. Whether you’re dealing with a deposit issue, bonus question, or tech hiccup, live chat and email assistance are quick to resolve problems. The support team is available 24/7 and is known for clear communication and helpful solutions. Arizona users who want flexibility will appreciate Everygame’s polished mobile experience on Android and iOS, with cash tables starting at $0.02/$0.04, a 200% welcome bonus up to $1,000, and 36% rakeback.
Is Online Poker Legal in Tennessee?
Tennessee players are not at legal risk for playing online poker for real money through offshore sites. The state's laws focus on unlicensed gambling operators—not individuals accessing real-money poker platforms based overseas. To date, Tennessee residents have not been prosecuted for playing online poker in offshore rooms.
Under the Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-501, unlawful gambling is broadly defined, but enforcement has historically targeted in-state operations. Since offshore poker sites operate outside US jurisdiction, they occupy a legal gray area (accessible to players but beyond the reach of local regulators).
Tennessee has no commercial casinos, tribal venues, racinos, or legalized pari-mutuel betting. There's also no exemption for "social gambling," making the state one of the most restrictive in the country. Legal gambling is mainly limited to the state lottery and charitable raffles operated by licensed organizations. As a result, offshore poker rooms fill a significant gap for residents seeking real-money games.
The legal gambling age in Tennessee is 18 for most forms of betting, including poker. Offshore platforms typically set their minimum age (usually 18 or 21) so players should confirm before signing up. Those interested in live games must travel to neighboring states like Mississippi or North Carolina, which offer regulated poker rooms and retail casinos.
Will Online Poker in Tennessee be Regulated in 2025?
No active bills in the Tennessee General Assembly propose legalizing or regulating online poker. While the state made headlines in 2019 by legalizing mobile sports betting through the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, the bill passed without the signature of then-Governor Bill Lee, who voiced strong opposition to further gambling expansion, including land-based casinos and online poker.
Tennessee has long maintained one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the country. With no tribal or commercial casinos and no legal poker rooms, political momentum toward regulating online poker remains virtually nonexistent. As a result, offshore poker sites remain the most accessible option for residents looking to play real money poker online.
Tennessee Gambling & Poker Laws Summarized
Here’s a quick breakdown of Tennessee gambling laws, including how online poker fits into the broader legal landscape.
Type/Code
Summary
State Code Section(s)
3.17; 4.36; 39.17.5-6
Definition of Gambling
Risking anything of value for a profit whose return is to any degree contingent on chance, or any games of chance associated with casinos, including, but not limited to, slot machines, roulette wheels, etc.
Definition of Gambling Bet
Anything of value risked in gambling.
Online Poker/Gambling
It is highly unlikely that legislators will consider any type of online poker or casino games in the foreseeable future.
Live Poker
Since there are no casinos and racetracks are not allowed to offer table games like poker, players cannot legally play cash games or tournaments in Tennessee.
Casinos
There are no casinos in Tennessee, and there seems to be no desire to consider legalizing any gambling facilities outside of racetracks.
Sports Betting
Tennessee has not yet considered a sports betting bill as of mid-2018.
DFS
Lawmakers legalized daily fantasy sports contests via the Fantasy Sports Act in 2016.
The most famous poker player from Tennessee is Chris Moneymaker. A Nashville-based accountant at the time, Moneymaker turned an $86 online satellite on PokerStars into a seat at the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event, and stunned the world by winning it for $2.5 million. His win is widely credited with sparking the modern online poker boom.
After his breakthrough, Moneymaker became a global ambassador for the game and spent years as a member of Team PokerStars Pro. He remains active on the tournament circuit and still calls Tennessee home.
Chris Moneymaker remains the state's most successful poker player. With over $8.2 million in live tournament earnings, he tops the list of the state’s all-time money winners. Kathy Liebert follows closely behind with more than $7 million in earnings.
Now based in Las Vegas, Liebert built a consistent and decorated career and remains one of the most respected names in the game.
Frank Kassela and Kyle Cartwright also rank among Tennessee’s top players, with multiple WSOP bracelets and deep runs across the circuit.
Chris Moneymaker — $8,210,630
Kathy Liebert — $7,054,501
Frank Kassela — $3,477,269
Kyle Cartwright — $3,417,577
David Diaz — $2,875,505
Stanley Weiss — $1,715,639
Ryan Welch — $1,708,353
Robert Hankins — $1,591,326
Jonathan Hilton — $1,549,094
Allie Prescott — $933,697
Play Online Poker Responsibly in Tennessee
When played responsibly, online poker can be an engaging and enjoyable activity. If you ever feel your gameplay is becoming overwhelming or affecting other parts of your life, Tennessee provides confidential support resources to help you stay in control.
Tennessee REDLINE – Call 1-800-889-9789 for free, 24/7, confidential help with gambling-related issues.
Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services - Visit TN.gov to access education, treatment, and prevention programs.
Tennessee 211 – Dial 211 to connect with local support services, counseling, and assistance.
Tennessee Online Poker: Key Takeaways
The absence of state regulation hasn't stopped poker fans in Tennessee from finding ways to play. Offshore poker sites like Bovada, Ignition, and BetOnline have become go-to options. These sites have secure deposit and withdrawal options, and they offer the flexibility of online play with fast access to games.
It's uncertain when local lawmakers will officially address online poker. In the meantime, offshore sites remain the most practical and player-friendly way to enjoy real-money poker from the Volunteer State.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
Sources & Citations For This Article on Tennessee Online Poker
