The HB1885 bill in Tennessee sweeps casino regulation brought an outright ban on the use of sweepstakes casinos, with the state’s major brands forced to shut up shop. But could a recent amendment pave the way for a full rethink?
Join our sweepstakes casino experts for a look at the amendments made to the HB1885 bill, including the removal of the outright ban and the launch of a study into the positive impact of future regulation. We’ll cover what the law change means for you, and analyze how it could affect broader sweepstakes casino regulation in the future.
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First things first: What is Tennessee’s HB1885 bill?
If you’re not familiar with the current state of play of Tennessee sweepstakes casinos, then HB1885 may be news to you. Essentially, this was a bill passed in May 2026, which banned the use of online sweepstakes casinos in Tennessee, signalling the end of sweepstakes gaming in the Volunteer State.
When the HB1885 bill was first written into law, we published a guide to the new rules along with a list of the top Tennessee alternatives for those still seeking a place to play. And now we’re back with an additional follow-up, after news broke that TN lawmakers may be preparing to review their outright ban in favor of a more flexible approach that could pave the way for the return of sweepstakes casinos.
What’s happening with the HB1885 bill in Tennessee?
When the HB1885 bill was first introduced, it brought an outright ban on the use of sweepstakes casinos in Tennessee. Now, however, local lawmakers have sought an amendment to the original bill, removing the outright ban and directing the state to study whether regulating and taxing the industry could be a smarter way forward.
Why has Tennessee shifted its position on sweepstakes casinos? Well, some lawmakers argue that the taxable revenue that could be collected by regulating the industry is substantial, so there’s an obvious economic benefit to consider. Others argue that by regulating the industry, it will help to make online gaming safe for a growing number of players – reducing the need to rely on illicit platforms that could put Tennesseans in harm’s way.
What does all this mean for you?
If you live in Tennessee and want to know if you can access sweepstakes casinos, the answer remains a firm no. Even though amendments have been made to HB1885 removing the outright, indefinite ban, most sweepstakes casinos have closed their operations in TN, citing the current regulatory uncertainty within the state.
However, the good news is that this may not be the end for legal sweepstakes casinos in Tennessee. The amendment to HB1885 called for a study into the positive effects that regulating and taxing the sweepstakes gaming industry could have, with the results of this required to be submitted to the Senate and the House by January 31, 2027.
If, after scrutinizing the results of the study, local lawmakers decide to reintroduce sweepstakes casinos to Tennessee, you may be able to use your favorite sweepstakes casinos once again. And not only that, but it could pave the way for similar amendments in other states that have previously blocked sweepstakes casinos – particularly if Tennessee lawmakers make a strong enough economic case for the regulation and taxation of sweepstakes gaming platforms.
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Are there any similar “studios” taking place in the USA?
Yes – Tennessee isn’t the only state studying the potential economic and social benefits of regulating the sweepstakes gaming industry.
Right now, lawmakers in both Virginia and Pennsylvania are in the midst of groundbreaking studies into the effects of sweepstakes casino regulation, with the potential to scrap their outright bans in the future, too. Combined with the outcome of the HB1885 amendment in Tennessee, these three case studies could pave the way for a wholly different approach to how US sweepstakes casinos are regulated, taxed, and controlled in the future.
Do you live in Tennessee? Here are some tips to stay up to date with HB1885
If you’re a Tennessee local who’s lamenting the loss of your favorite sweepstakes casinos, here are some tips on how to stay up to date on HB1885.
Stay tuned to Sweeptastic for the latest news: Our experts are working hard to keep you up to date on the latest news related to TN’s HB1885 bill.
Contact the Attorney General’s office for more information: The status of the HB1885 bill rests with Tennessee’s Attorney General, so you can find more information on the office’s official website.
Take a look at the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) website: The SGLA champions social gaming operators and has publicly backed TN’s HB1885 amendment. Its website could be a good place to stay up to date on news and updates.
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