The Tennessee General Assembly has filed House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 16 in the respective state houses which, if passed, will legalize sports betting, meaning wagers may be placed on the outcomes of sporting events.
The Shelby County Commission pushed for this bill in an effort to open a betting book on Beale Street, if the bill is passed.
Concerned about Tennessee residents spending billions of dollars in places like Tunica and Southland, lawmakers pushed for this bill to increase tax revenue.
The new bill would allow for cities to individually legalize betting books in bars so long as the books were kept far enough away from the alcohol. Furthermore, the bill levies a ten percent tax on gaming revenue and establishes a Tennessee gaming commission to regulate betting.
Dr. Steven Mulroy, law professor at the Cecil C. Humphrey School of Law, is optimistic about the new legislation. He emphasizes the freedom the bill gives to localities, ensuring that each town may legalize sports betting as they see fit.
"All things being equal, the best decision-making happens at the local level. This is a refreshing move toward local control," Mulroy said, "Furthermore, if the bill passes, and once local government sees increased tax revenue, they will likely try to legalize other forms of gambling."
Established facilities in Mississippi and other states also have an impact on Tennesseans because both Arkansas and Mississippi have legalized gambling.
Despite rising concerns about losing part of their revenue, Southland Park Gaming and Racing is expanding its Arkansas facility to include additional restaurant space, a hotel and spacious layout.
“Racing is still part of our offerings,” said Jeff Strang a representative for Southland Park Gaming & Racing. “We are expanding floor, amenities and the hotel.”
The expansion, funded by the casino’s owner, Delaware North, will add 400 new gaming machines and as many as 60 live table games. The casino will also feature more dining options and a 20-story hotel tower.
“Delaware North is thrilled to make this historic announcement of a $250 million expansion of Southland Gaming & Racing, which represents the largest ever investment in a casino in Arkansas and one of the largest for a hospitality project,” said Lou Jacobs, Co-CEO of Delaware North, said in a press release.
The casino looks to continue attracting Memphians who bring money into Arkansas as the main competitor to the casinos near Tunica, Mississippi. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said the casino was one of the state’s largest attractions.
“It’s wonderful to see that one of the largest hospitality investments in the history of Arkansas is being made at this time and that it will create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs for our people,” Hutchinson said in a press release.
“They probably won’t put a betting book on Beale Street,” said James Whelan, a clinical psychologist and member of the Gambling Clinic at the University of Memphis, which is a place that helps people with gambling addictions.
As a State Senator, current Representative Steve Cohen fought for the Tennessee Lottery for well over a decade.
"This bill would be a more dramatic step toward legal games of chance in Tennessee. I think the reason you are seeing this bill right now is Christie vs. NCAA" Mulroy said.
Christie vs. NCAA is a case decided by the Supreme Court in 2018. The decision stated that the federal government could not interfere with states' decisions to allow sports betting.
Despite the increased opportunities for gambling, the UofM Gambling Clinic said they are not expecting a rise in patients.
“It’s probably not going to affect people much at all,” Whelan said. “It will just make it more convenient. Eighty percent of people have gambled in their lives, and 70 percent have done so in the past year.”
The Clinic views its patients as individuals with a gambling disorder, instead of addicts.
Casinos also have programs for keeping their customers from developing gambling issues.
“Responsible gaming programs are an ongoing effort to make sure we are responsible,” Strang said. “We train employees in what to do and when to get involved.”
Southland keeps in touch with its customers using mail and email to try to incentivize customers to return.
“Most people like going for the social aspect,” Whelan said.
More than anything, it is important to seek help when needed. The Gambling Clinic can be reached at 901-678-STOP or at their website thegamblingclinic.com.
William Sanders contributed to this story.
