Online Poker in Tennessee
Tennessee, fondly known as the Volunteer State, has a unique stance on online poker. While traditional gambling options like the state lottery and mobile sports betting are available, online poker remains a niche activity primarily through sweepstakes platforms. Let’s navigate the landscape of online poker in Tennessee, exploring its regulations, available platforms, and the notable players who call the state home.
Status | Online Poker is Illegal |
Start Date | N/A |
Legal Poker Rooms | None |
Shared Liquidity | N/A |
Legal Sweepstakes Poker | Stake.US, Clubs Poker, ClubWPT, GlobalPoker |
Minimum Age | 18+ |
Regulator | Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (TSWC) |
State Tax | 0% (Federal tax applies for winnings over $5,000) |
Status of Online Poker in Tennessee
In Tennessee, traditional real money online poker is not legal. The state has maintained strict regulations against online gambling, including poker, as outlined in the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act. However, players can enjoy online poker through sweepstakes platforms, which operate under a different legal framework. These platforms allow users to play poker games where winnings can be converted to real money without violating state laws.
Legal Poker Rooms
Since real money online poker isn’t directly legal, Tennessee residents turn to sweepstakes-based platforms. Stake.us stands out as a premier choice, offering a robust online poker experience with features like bad beat jackpots and a variety of game formats. Clubs Poker, GlobalPoker, and clubWPT also provide legitimate avenues for Tennessee players to engage in online poker legally.
Sweepstakes Poker in Tennessee
Sweepstakes poker serves as the primary legal avenue for online poker in Tennessee. This format leverages sweepstakes laws to offer poker games where players can win prizes convertible to real money. Unlike traditional online poker, sweepstakes platforms use virtual currencies or tokens, ensuring compliance with Tennessee’s gambling regulations.
Stake.us
Stake.US is a leading sweepstakes poker platform operating in Tennessee. It offers a range of poker variants, including No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, along with tournaments and sit & gos. Players can purchase play tokens (Gold Coins) and receive Sweeps Coins, which are necessary for entering games where real money prizes are at stake. Stake.US is praised for its user-friendly interface and regular promotions that enhance the gaming experience.
Clubs Poker
Clubs Poker is a newer entrant in Tennessee’s sweepstakes poker scene but has quickly gained popularity. It offers a comprehensive poker experience with a variety of game types, including mixed game variants like HORSE and 2-7 Single Draw. Clubs Poker is expected to expand rapidly, thanks to its robust software and engaging player features.
GlobalPoker
GlobalPoker utilizes the sweepstakes model to provide a compliant online poker environment for Tennessee players. The platform features daily tournaments with significant prize pools, custom-made trophies, and unique avatars for winners. GlobalPoker’s commitment to fairness and player satisfaction makes it a trusted choice among Tennessee’s online poker enthusiasts.
clubWPT
clubWPT is another reputable sweepstakes poker platform available to Tennesseans. As part of the World Poker Tour, it provides high-quality tournaments and a strong community of players. While ring games are available in play money mode, the focus remains on tournaments where players can win real money prizes through Sweeps Coins.
The Scoop on Regulations and History
Tennessee’s foray into online poker has been cautious and regulated. The state legalized mobile sports betting in 2020, which paved the way for the emergence of sweepstakes poker platforms. Despite attempts to introduce casino gaming, Tennessee has maintained a conservative approach, limiting online poker to sweepstakes formats. This cautious stance reflects the state’s broader attitude towards gambling, balancing regulation with player access.
Taxes
Tennessee does not impose a state income tax on gambling winnings. However, federal taxes apply to gambling earnings over $5,000, subjecting them to a 24% tax rate. Players must report their winnings to the IRS, ensuring compliance with federal tax laws. It’s essential for Tennessee players to keep accurate records of their winnings to facilitate proper tax reporting.
Help If You Need It
Tennessee is committed to addressing problem gambling through dedicated resources and support programs. The Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Services Program offers outpatient treatment and outreach activities. For immediate assistance, individuals can contact Tennessee REDLINE at 800-889-9789 or the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. These resources provide crucial support for those struggling with gambling addiction, ensuring help is always available.
Live Poker in Tennessee
Tennessee lacks traditional casinos, but nearby states like Mississippi offer land-based poker rooms that Tennesseans frequent. The absence of local casinos means that most offline poker activities occur at tribal casinos across state borders.
Notable Players from Tennessee
Tennessee has produced some of the most renowned poker players in the world. Let’s spotlight a few who have made significant impacts in the poker community.
Chris Moneymaker
Born: Atlanta, Georgia
Resides: Nashville, Tennessee
Total Live Earnings: $7,697,880
WSOP Bracelets: 1
WSOP Cashes: 19
WSOP Earnings: $2,683,521
Chris Moneymaker is a legendary figure in the poker world. His 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event win, achieved through an $86 online satellite, ignited the poker boom known as the “Moneymaker Effect.” A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a master’s degree in accounting, Moneymaker was working as a comptroller and part-time employee at a local restaurant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, when he decided to take a shot at the WSOP.
Moneymaker’s victory was a pivotal moment for online poker, demonstrating that amateur players could compete and win against seasoned professionals. His journey from an unknown accountant to a WSOP champion is a true rags-to-riches story. After winning the Main Event, he quit his job to serve as a celebrity spokesman for Harrah’s Entertainment and PokerStars, and he started his own company, Moneymaker Gaming.
Throughout his career, Moneymaker has amassed over $7.6 million in live earnings, with his WSOP cashes contributing significantly to his success. Notably, his heads-up battle against Sam Farha in the 2003 WSOP Main Event is still remembered as one of the most memorable moments in poker history. Moneymaker’s influence extends beyond his own winnings; his success inspired a generation of poker players and played a crucial role in popularizing the game globally.
In 2019, Moneymaker was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the evolution of modern poker. Despite his fame, he remains connected to his roots in Tennessee, continuing to inspire both new and veteran players with his story and dedication to the game.
Kathy Liebert
Born: Nashville, Tennessee
Resides: Las Vegas, Nevada
Total Live Earnings: $6,963,429
WSOP Bracelets: 1
WSOP Circuits Rings: 1
WSOP Cashes: 183
WSOP Earnings: $1,779,302
Kathy Liebert stands out as Tennessee’s top tournament money earner, boasting over $6.2 million in earnings. Born and raised in Nashville, she began her professional poker career as a prop player in Colorado before transitioning to tournament play. Her dedication and skill have earned her a WSOP bracelet and numerous circuit rings, making her one of the most successful female poker players in the world.
Liebert’s first major win came in 2002 when she won the first Party Poker Million event, the first limit poker tournament with a $1 million prize. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to compete and excel at high-stakes events. She followed this with a gold bracelet at the 2004 WSOP in the $1,500 Limit Texas Hold’em Shootout event, further establishing her reputation in the poker community.
Throughout her career, Liebert has made six World Poker Tour (WPT) final tables, including a third-place finish at the 2005 Borgata Poker Open, making her the highest-finishing woman on the WPT at that time. Her consistent performance at major tournaments has earned her substantial earnings and respect among her peers. Liebert has also made significant contributions as a commentator, providing insights and analysis during televised poker events, which has helped popularize the game even further.
In addition to her on-the-table success, Liebert was inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame in 2010 and was nominated for the Poker Hall of Fame in 2022. Her achievements are a testament to her skill, perseverance, and influence in the poker world. Currently residing in Las Vegas, Liebert continues to compete and inspire aspiring poker players from Tennessee and beyond, cementing her status as one of the state’s most illustrious poker professionals.
Kyle Cartwright
Resides: Bartlett, Tennessee
Total Live Earnings: $3,280,144
WSOP Bracelets: 1
WSOP Circuit Rings: 9
WSOP Cashes: 116
WSOP Earnings: $2,449,422
Occupation: Professional poker player
Graduated from: University of Memphis
Favorite Player: Kenny Tran
Twitter: @da_kyky
Favorite Hand: 9d-10d
Kyle Cartwright is a professional poker player hailing from Bartlett, Tennessee. A University of Memphis graduate, Cartwright has amassed over $3.2 million in live earnings, including a WSOP bracelet. Known for his strategic play and consistent performances, Cartwright is a prominent figure in Tennessee’s poker scene.
David Diaz
Born: Honduras
Resides: Memphis, Tennessee
Total Live Earnings: $2,875,505
WSOP Bracelets: 1
WSOP Cashes: 45
WSOP Earnings: $1,544,708
David Diaz, also known as ‘Lefty’, overcame significant personal challenges to become a professional poker player. Born in Honduras, Diaz faced undiagnosed cancer from an early age, leading to the amputation of his right arm and a year of chemotherapy. Relocating to Memphis, Tennessee, Diaz discovered poker in his late teens and went pro at 21. Since then, he has earned over $2.8 million in live tournaments, including a WSOP bracelet.
FAQ
Is online poker legal in Tennessee?
No, online poker is illegal in Tennessee.
Can I play online poker for real money in Tennessee?
Direct real money online poker is not legal in Tennessee. However, sweepstakes poker allows players to win prizes convertible to real money through designated platforms.
What is the minimum age for online poker in Tennessee?
Players must be at least 18 years old to participate in online poker activities in Tennessee.
How are sweepstakes poker winnings taxed in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not impose a state tax on gambling winnings. However, federal taxes apply to winnings over $5,000 at a rate of 24%.
Are there any offline poker options in Tennessee?
While Tennessee lacks traditional casinos, players can visit nearby state casinos in Mississippi or participate in live poker games at tribal casinos across state borders.
What resources are available for problem gambling in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers support through the Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Services Program, Tennessee REDLINE (800-889-9789), and the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER).
Which platforms offer sweepstakes poker in Tennessee?
Clubs Poker, Stake.US, GlobalPoker, and clubWPT are the primary sweepstakes poker platforms available to Tennessee residents.
Can I use my credit card for online poker in Tennessee?
Direct use of credit cards for online gambling transactions is restricted. However, sweepstakes platforms offer alternative methods like electronic transfers and e-wallets for transactions.
Who regulates online poker in Tennessee?
The Sports Wagering Council (SWC) oversees the regulation of sweepstakes poker platforms, ensuring compliance with the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act.
What are the most popular poker games available online in Tennessee?
What are the most popular poker games available online in Tennessee?