Tennessee Sweeps Casino Ban Heads to Governor Lee Casino By lines April 27, 2026 Tennessee sweepstakes casino ban legislation reached Governor Bill Lee on April 23, 2026, after lawmakers approved SB 2136. SB 2136 outlaws online sweepstakes platforms that use virtual currencies and mimic real money gambling. Operating or promoting these platforms becomes a felony under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. Governor Lee must sign SB 2136 for the felony classification to take effect. Conference Committee Restored Sweeps Language Stripped by the House The Tennessee Senate passed SB 2136 in March 2026 without Senate floor opposition. The Tennessee House later amended SB 2136 to remove direct references to sweepstakes casinos. The amended House version reframed SB 2136 as broader gambling enforcement. A conference committee made up of House and Senate members met on April 23, 2026. The conference committee restored the original anti-sweepstakes language to SB 2136. Both chambers approved the conference report the same day. Tennessee would join Indiana and Maine as 2026 states banning sweepstakes casinos if Governor Lee signs SB 2136. Indiana sweepstakes casinos become illegal on July 1, 2026 under a March 2026 law. Maine became the second state to ban sweepstakes casinos in April 2026. SB 2136 attaches civil and criminal penalties to sweepstakes operators and promoters in Tennessee. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti previously sent cease-and-desist letters to nearly forty sweepstakes casinos in 2025. Related Casino Reviews Tennessee Sweeps Ban Bill HB 1885 Advances to Floor Louisiana HB 883 Sweepstakes Ban Passes House 99-0 Maine Becomes Second State to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos Source: Sweepsy reported the conference committee resolution and the bill’s transmission to Governor Lee.
