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Tennessee Issues Cease And Desist Letters to Sports Gaming Platforms

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Publish Date: Oct 21, 2025

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Key Points

SWC issues cease and desist letters to three sports gaming platforms operating in the state
BetWhale.ag, Kickr, and ReBet all have to cease operations immediately; BetWhale also issued a $50,000 fine
Currently, 12 legalized online sportsbooks operate in the state

Tennessee's Sports Wagering Council (SWC) announced Tuesday that they have issued cease and desist letters to several sports gaming websites operating in the state effective immediately.

These include Kickr, a social gaming platform offering “sports picks,” and ReBet, which offered social sportsbook sweepstakes, have all shut down after the SWC issued cease and desist letters.

The SWC has issued a total of six cease and desist letters (five this year) since legalized sports betting was enacted six years ago. The others have been to: Sportzino & Legendz among others (2024).

“We encourage all Tennessee sports betting customers to remember it is important to use legal, licensed sportsbooks to protect your own personal and financial information,” said SWC Executive Director Mary Beth Thomas. “Access to a website or an app does not mean the sportsbook has been licensed to operate here, and consumers can check the SWC website at www.tn.gov/swac/licensees-registrants.html for a complete list of sportsbooks licensed to do business in Tennessee."

tennessee state capitol building

Legal Sports Wagering in the State

Currently, there are 12 legalized online sportsbooks operating in the state including major platforms Bally Bet, bet365, Betly, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, ESPN Bet, and Hard Rock Bet.

It is illegal to bet on sports in Tennessee with any operator not legally operating in the state. All legal operators are required by law to adhere to responsible gaming, protection of consumer funds, and data privacy. Additionally, these licensed sportsbooks pay taxes to the state of Tennessee that support educational scholarship programs, local infrastructure projects, and responsible gaming initiatives.

Sports Betting Background

Effective May 20219, the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act and promulgated rules require licensed sportsbooks to provide critical protections for the sports betting customer in the state. These protections include holding reserves to pay wagers and keeping personal and financial information secure.

Licensed sportsbooks must also follow other restrictions under state law, such as prohibiting individuals under 21 years old from wagering and not accepting wagers using credit cards.

Tennessee is the largest “online-only” sports betting market in the U.S. (no retail), with $5.6 billion wagered last fiscal year with online sportsbooks licensed by the SWC.

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