Tennessee moves bill against illegal sweepstakes

"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. The language spells out definitions around gambling and sweepstakes-style platforms more clearly, aiming at companies operating without age verifications or proper oversight."

"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 amendments and referred to the Senate Calendar Committee on a unanimous 8-0 vote on Tuesday."

"The proposal would designate illegal gambling and related activities as a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act and expand the investigative powers of both the Sports Wagering Council and the attorney general. The legislation would update multiple sections of state law in response to growing concerns about illegal online gambling in the state."

Tennessee lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 2136 to combat illegal online gambling and sweepstakes operations. The bill cleared the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee unanimously on February 24 and is now 25% complete in the legislative process. Sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile, the legislation was developed in collaboration with the Tennessee Attorney General's Office and the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council to address growing concerns about illegal online gambling. The bill closes enforcement gaps by designating illegal gambling as a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, granting the attorney general clear civil enforcement authority, and expanding investigative powers. It also clarifies definitions around gambling and sweepstakes platforms while targeting companies operating without proper age verification or oversight.

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