Tennessee Sweeps Casino Ban Moves to House Floor Vote

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April 17, 2026

Tennessee sweepstakes casino ban HB 1885 cleared the House Finance Committee on April 16, 2026. The committee approved HB 1885 unanimously. HB 1885 now heads to the Calendar and Rules Committee for Thursday review. Rep. Scott Cepicky introduced HB 1885 earlier in the 2026 Tennessee session.

What HB 1885 Would Do to Sweepstakes Operators

HB 1885 classifies virtual-currency gambling systems as unlawful under Tennessee law. HB 1885 targets app-based wagering and dual-currency sweepstakes models. HB 1885 affects operators like Chumba Casino, Stake.us, and Global Poker. HB 1885 folds violations into the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977.

HB 1885 grants the Tennessee Attorney General authority to compel sworn statements and examine business records. HB 1885 raises civil penalties to $1,000 per document for falsified or concealed records. Rep. Clay Doggett co-sponsors HB 1885 with Rep. Scott Cepicky. Similar sweepstakes casino bans passed in Connecticut, Montana, Nevada, and New Jersey in 2025.

Indiana and Maine governors signed sweepstakes casino bans into law earlier in 2026. Sweepstakes operators face a shrinking Tennessee operating window. High 5 Casino, PlayFame, and Funrize already pulled out of New York on April 10, 2025. Tennessee players could lose access if HB 1885 becomes law.