Tennessee’s Secretary of State assigned Public Chapter 1117 to the enacted measure introduced as SB 2136 and HB 1885. It took effect on 22 May 2026. The law clarifies that operating, conducting or commercially promoting online sweepstakes games and other online or app-based gambling is unlawful under the state’s consumer protection law, subject to the statutory exceptions.
Why product structure matters
A website can describe its activity as a sweepstakes while using several types of currency or offering something redeemable for value. The relevant question is how the arrangement works under the law, not the name placed on the website. The treatment of a particular service depends on the actual model and the scope of the statute.
What should be kept separate
The legislative fiscal analysis distinguishes products already lawfully permitted under Tennessee’s sports gaming, fantasy sports, nonprofit gaming and lottery laws. The sweepstakes change should not be described as abolishing those separate categories. Check the enacted chapter for the relevant definitions and effective dates.