Tennessee Senate advances bill targeting illegal sweepstakes

Tennessee lawmakers are moving closer to tightening the reins on illegal online gambling and sweepstakes after a Senate committee gave its backing to Senate Bill 2136 this week.

The measure cleared the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee without a single dissenting vote, pushing it further along in the legislative process. According to the bill’s official record on LegiScan, SB 2136, sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile, was “recommended for passage with amendment/s” and referred to the Senate Calendar Committee on a unanimous 8–0 vote on Tuesday (February 24). Lawmakers first introduced the proposal on January 23, and it is now listed as 25% complete in its path through the General Assembly.

Tennessee lawmakers advance SB2136 to ban illegal online #sweepstakes gambling, strengthen enforcement & expand AG oversight on unlawful gaming. @RWW pic.twitter.com/p5szc479Dj

— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) February 24, 2026 Tennessee moves to enforce authority against illegal sweepstakes with bill

When he presented the bill, Haile explained that his office worked closely with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office and the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council to respond to what he described as “growing concerns about illegal online gambling in our state.” He told committee members the legislation is designed to shut down gray areas in current law and make it easier for state officials to step in when operators break the rules. “This bill closes existing enforcement gaps by granting the attorney general clear, civil enforcement authority to take action against illegal operators and strengthening consumer protections,” he said in committee testimony.

Haile also said the language spells out definitions around gambling and sweepstakes-style platforms more clearly, aiming at companies operating “without age verifications or proper oversight.”

Online casinos disguised as “sweepstakes” have been operating illegally in Tennessee until now. Our office took action to protect consumers and stop illegal gambling.