Betting giant, bet365, earns authority to penetrate Tennessee's prospering gambling sector
bet365 Enters Tennessee Market with Fresh Licensing Approval
U.K. sports betting giant bet365 has made its mark in the U.S. expansion landscape, securing a license to operate in Tennessee. The approval, announced on February 11 by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, is another significant step for bet365 as it seeks to expand its presence across the States.
The entry into Tennessee forms part of a broader strategy for bet365, aiming to cement its position in the U.S. sports betting scene. The company is already active in 11 states, with representatives expressing a focus on expanding operations in those locales.
Joining a group of industry giants that include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and Hard Rock, bet365's move into Tennessee signifies its ongoing commitment to growth and market diversification. Although a launch date for bet365 in Tennessee has yet to be unveiled, the approval underscores the brand's ambition to tap into new opportunities.
Recent initiatives by the company, such as entering Illinois and launching operations in Brazil, testify to its aggressive expansion plans. In Brazil, where commercial operators were granted access in early 2025, bet365 went live as the nation opened its doors to the industry.
Tennessee's sports betting market has proven to be a fertile ground for operators since it became the first state to introduce an online-only sports wagering model. Emulating Tennessee's approach, both Vermont and Wyoming have adopted similar online-only frameworks. In January 2025, Tennesseans wagered $549 million on sports, representing a 17.4% increase from the previous year and the fourth-highest monthly handle since the market's inception in November 2020.
The competitive landscape in Tennessee offers both challenges and opportunities for bet365 as it readies its entry. With prominent players already staking claims in the market, the U.K. giant will need to capitalize on its global know-how and innovative offerings to secure a strong foothold among Tennessee bettors.
As bet365 prepares for its Tennessee debut, industry analysts will keenly watch its progress within the state's thriving sports betting landscape.
Source: [Original Text]
Additional Information:- The Tennessee sports betting market has displayed consistent growth, with the total handle reaching $5 billion in 2024.- Popular sports for betting in Tennessee include football (NFL and college) and basketball (NBA and NCAA), with parlay and live betting being preferred wager types.- Tennessee imposes a handle-based taxation system on sports betting, leading to steady tax revenue for the state.- Prospects for continued growth in the Tennessee sports betting market are promising, with potential regulatory changes and technological advancements shaping future trends.
bet365, with its fresh licensing approval in Tennessee, will enter the sports betting market and place wagers through its online platform, continuing its strategy of expanding into the U.S.
The online-only sports betting market in Tennessee, which has shown consistent growth, offers bet365 a fertile ground for its innovative offerings and global know-how, as it seeks to secure a strong foothold among Tennessee bettors.