How To Get Started Betting In Tennessee On iOS

Posted on October 27, 2020 - Last Updated on August 13, 2024

Legal sports betting is coming soon to the Volunteer State. For Tennessee residents and visitors who use Apple devices, that means new iOS sports betting apps to check out.

People new to wagering on sporting events online, especially with an iOS device like an iPad or iPhone, may have questions. Fortunately, it’s easy and simple once you have a little knowledge.

Where to find iOS sports betting apps for use in Tennessee

Sportsbook operators try to make wagering on their platforms as easy as possible. They have caught on to the fact that the number of people seeking entertainment and shopping on mobile devices continues to grow.

In Tennessee, it’s even more vital to make the online experience more convenient than in other states. That’s because there are no brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the state.

Not all of the legal sportsbooks in Tennessee may offer iOS apps at first, however. That doesn’t mean you can’t access the operator from your iPad or iPhone, however.

Just visit the sportsbook’s website using a browser like Chrome or Safari. If the sportsbook does have an app, the mobile version of the website may refer you to it on the App Store.

That’s the first place you should look for an app related to the sportsbook you want to use. The process is exactly the same as looking for any other app.

How to search for sports betting apps on the App Store

The process is very similar regardless of which device you’re on. Both iPads and iPhones use the same App Store format.

The quickest and easiest way to find a specific sports betting app is to search for it by name. There are three important things to remember when selecting an app, however:

  • Ensure it’s the sportsbook app. DraftKings, for example, has a separate app for daily fantasy contests.
  • Make sure it’s the right app for use in Tennessee. Some sportsbooks have apps for specific jurisdictions.
  • Ensure the sportsbook you want to use is available in Tennessee.

The best way to make sure the sportsbook you want to use is licensed in Tennessee is the Tennessee Education Lottery’s website. So far, the lottery has licensed the following operators:

  • Action 24/7
  • BetMGM
  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel

There is no limit to how many sportsbooks the lottery can approve, so there could be many additions to that list. Once you’ve identified the app you want, download it onto your device. The next step is logging in or registering.

How to register for a new account on an iOS sports betting app

After the app has downloaded, how you proceed depends on whether you’re new to the specific operator or not. For example, if you’ve played daily fantasy sports (DFS) games with DraftKings or FanDuel, you can log in to the sportsbook apps with those same credentials.

It’s important to note whether or not you have an active account with the operator whose app you want to use. Tennessee law says you can only have one account with each sportsbook.

If you’re unsure of whether you have an account, contact the customer service department of the sportsbook you want to use. The customer service personnel can help you determine whether you need to register for a new account.

For apps like BetMGM and Action 24/7, that either have different apps for each jurisdiction or are new to the sports betting market, you will need to register for a new account.

If you’re confident that you’re new to the operator, you can proceed with registration. You’ll have to provide the sportsbook with a few pieces of identifying information:

  • Date of birth
  • Legal name
  • Mailing address
  • Email address
  • Last four digits of Social Security Number (for identification verification)

Some apps will give you the option to submit a photograph of your state ID. Others will require it for verification purposes. This is essential for them to be compliant with state laws regarding minimum age and other facets of eligibility.

The app should walk you right through the registration process. If you need help at any point, however, that’s why the sportsbooks employ customer service agents.

After your registration is complete, the next step is to fund your account. This is where the fun can begin, especially if you’re using a sportsbook for the first time.

How to make a deposit using an iOS app

Most sportsbook apps, again, try to make it very easy for you to fund your account. This applies to both how you fund your account and providing you with enticements to do so.

Most sportsbooks accept an array of payment forms. These can include:

  • ACH payments
  • Credit/debit cards
  • Echecks
  • PayPal
  • Prepaid cards

Just like with your photo ID, some apps offer the option to snap a picture of your credit or debit card for upload. If you want to use a checking or savings account and have online banking, several apps allow you to connect your account with your bank.

After you’ve uploaded your payment details, it’s time to choose how much you want to deposit. If this is your first deposit, you should pay attention to any appropriate first time deposit offers.

Promos for first-time depositers

Sportsbooks will usually offer bonuses for first-time depositers. This is the case for people who have played DFS games, but not yet made any bets on sporting events as well. These promos typically take two forms:

  • Deposit match
  • Bonus bets

In the first scenario, the sportsbook will match the value of your first deposit with an equal amount of site credit. There is usually a limit to that, however, but it can be hundreds of dollars.

The second case involves offering what might be thought of as “second-chance” bets. If you lose your first bet or first couple of bets, the sportsbook will return the value of your wager up to the specified amount in site credit.

These iOS sports betting apps can be a great way for Apple device users to stay on top of the best odds on the legal market. The process of getting started is easy and quick thanks to the convenience of the operating system.

Photo by Associated Press
Derek Helling Avatar
Written by
Derek Helling

Derek Helling is a lead writer for PlayUSA and the manager of BetHer. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Iowa and covers the intersections of sports with business and the law.

View all posts by Derek Helling