Gambling Casinos Near Nashville Tennessee
Tennessee has recently made big strides toward legalizing gambling. The Sports Gaming Act, passed by Tennessee Congress in early 2020, authorizes sports betting providers to launch online sports betting operations within the state. But while this is a great victory for sports betting enthusiasts, Tennessee still does not allow land-based casinos in any capacity.
- Gambling Casinos Near Nashville Tennessee Hotels
- Gambling Casinos Near Nashville Tennessee Downtown
- Gambling Casinos Nashville Tennessee
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As a result, any Tennessee residents wishing to enjoy a classic casino experience must head to retail casinos in nearby states. This guide will break down the top five casinos you can find closest to Tennessee borders and Nashville in particular. This way, you’ll always know where you can go if you want to have a great time at a casino without having to drive too far or rely on offshore or illegal casino sites.
Top Five Casinos Closest To Tennessee & Nashville
While you won’t be able to visit any casinos in Tennessee anytime soon, the good news is that there are plenty of excellent casinos pretty close to the Tennessee border. Even better, many of these top casinos are close to Nashville. At worst, you’ll only need to drive for a few hours to get to one of these locations.
Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel & Casino
Miles from Nashville, Tennessee: About 150 miles
State: Illinois
This first pick also has plenty of history. It first opened in 1994 as a riverboat casino. Indeed, the main casino floor was located on a docked riverboat! However, this casino underwent serious renovations in 2014 and now has more “classic” looking casino premises (although Harrah’s Metropolis is still pretty close to the Ohio River).
Located in Illinois, this casino is a relatively small establishment compared to many of the retail or brick-and-mortar casinos you can find in Las Vegas. But it offers a lot of excellent gambling activities fitted within its small size.
For instance, Harrah’s Metropolis includes about 800 slot machines and over 100 video poker machines. Enthusiasts of these games will find a lot to like here. But there’s also a variety of table games, including 21 different varieties of blackjack, roulette, mini-baccarat, 3-card poker, craps, and more. The casino even has a small poker room for dedicated games and occasional tournaments.
But that’s not all. Harrah’s Metropolis is also home to three restaurants, including a table service restaurant and a buffet for late-night gambling enthusiasts. Additional amenities include a bar that includes live music played on weekends, a hotel with 258 separate hotel rooms, and more.
Just keep in mind that the casino is smoking free and there are odd operational hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 am every day. Still, there’s plenty of excellent stuff to enjoy for Tennessee casino enthusiasts looking for something relatively close to Nashville.
Tropicana Evansville Hotel & Casino
Miles from Nashville, Tennessee: About 153 miles
State: Indiana
Next on the list is Tropicana Evansville, which is the second closest casino to Nashville and located in Indiana. It’s also a relative newcomer to the casino scene, having opened in 2017. From Nashville, it’s only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Like Harrah’s Metropolis, it used to be a riverboat casino. It was transformed into a land-based establishment when Indiana’s gaming law changed.
The new premises? A 75,000 square-foot building with a whopping 45,000 ft.² space dedicated to the casino alone. Within this space, Tropicana includes over 1100 slot machines, a dedicated poker room, and 30 extra table games on top of all that. Since sports betting is legal within Indiana borders, hop on over to William Hill’s sportsbook, which is housed in this casino.
In addition to the casino activities and gambling arenas, the Tropicana comes with a 243-room hotel, a handful of restaurants and bars, plus a conference space and extra entertainment venues. Music City residents will be pleased to know that musical events and other entertainers come here all the time, making this a particularly good place for social casino-goers more interested in the casino environment or aesthetic than just gambling.
Caesars Southern Indiana
Miles from Nashville, Tennessee: About 191 miles
State: Kentucky
Want something else? You can head down to just outside Louisville, Kentucky, where you’ll find this Caesars casino sitting right on the banks of the Ohio River. It’s still in Indiana, of course, but it gets a lot of traffic from all three states since it’s close to so many borders.
This is also one of the largest casinos in the area, featuring over 110,000 ft.² of casino space that takes just over three hours to reach by car if you were to leave from Nashville.
There’s a lot to like here, and not just the additional space compared to the above two options. For instance, this Caesars-brand establishment features over 1200 slot machines and video poker games. In addition, gambling enthusiasts can check out 87 table games that span the classics, including craps, blackjack, mini-baccarat, roulette, and much more.
We also really like that this casino comes with a 16-table poker room, plus a spacious sportsbook so sports betting enthusiasts can also find something to entertain themselves with here. A 500-room hotel and a whopping seven restaurants round out the casino experience, making this one of the best casinos for long-term stays due to the wide array of activities available.
It’s nestled in green forest country as well, so it’s a pretty agreeable spot year-round. Music City residents (and Tennessee residents in general) would do well to make the over 3-hour drive to visit this Caesars casino, as it’s the largest and most expensive they are likely to find within a reasonable driving time.
Horseshoe Tunica Hotel and Casino
Miles from Nashville, Tennessee: About 240 miles
State: Mississippi
Last, but certainly not least, is this 63,000 ft.² casino located on the banks of the Mississippi River. It’s a bit of a drive from Nashville and other parts of Tennessee. However, the trip is worthwhile if you can stand the journey.
For instance, it features 10 poker tables (decent for a midsize casino), 70 gaming tables, and over 1300 slot and video poker machines. The casino games here are mostly classic card games like Texas Hold ‘Em and blackjack. However, you can also find games like roulette and Let it Ride.
This casino is perhaps best enjoyed by those looking for a well-rounded casino or resort experience. It includes a 500-room hotel and six restaurants in total. Most of these offer sit-down, classic dining experiences, though a buffet is included as well for late-night casino-goers.
But this casino also includes a separate bar, a fitness center, and a golf driving range. This is one of the few casinos relatively close to Nashville that offers golfing as an activity. Add to that the aforementioned scenic environment on the banks of the Mississippi River. Horseshoe Tunica is a good pick for many.
The Palace Casino Resort
Miles from Nashville, Tennessee: About 500 miles
State: Mississippi
If you’re amenable to driving a little longer from Nashville, or if you’re closer to the southern border of Tennessee, you might consider checking out the Palace Casino Resort in Mississippi. It’s quite a long drive away, located at the southern tip of Mississippi, but the experience is well worth it in the end.
Gambling Casinos Near Nashville Tennessee Hotels
The Palace Casino Resort is a decently sized establishment that may not come close to the size of Caesars, but it still boasts over 38,000 ft.² of gaming space alone.
Within this space, Palace Casino includes over 1000 slot and video poker machines as well as 30+ table games. It’s open 24 hours a day, whereas most casinos near Nashville are not. Available table games include roulette, blackjack, craps, 3-card poker, and Mississippi Stud.
It’s a really nice casino if you want to spend a few days away from it all and treat yourself to a mini vacation. That’s because it includes a 234-room hotel, two bars, five restaurants, and, most importantly, a full-service spa for all guests. Thus, this casino is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy some of your favorite casino games at the same time. An additional 24-hour fitness center is included so you can keep up with your exercise routine.
Tennessee Online Gambling FAQ
Recently, Tennessee legislators passed the Sports Gaming Act, which authorized sports betting online. Alongside the Tennessee Lottery, these are the only two types of gambling activities currently legal within Tennessee borders, aside from a few games for charity like Bingo.
Thus, recent sports betting legislation did not include provisions for casinos, either online or brick-and-mortar. While this is nice for sports betting enthusiasts (who do not need to check in with a retail casino to finish registering for a mobile sportsbook), it’s a bit of a downer for casino fans.
This is in line with Tennessee’s general anti-gambling outlook, though the winds may indeed be changing.
It’s tough to say. At the moment, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee does not anticipate allowing any future gambling legalization acts through his desk. This is because he doesn’t believe gambling activities to be particularly valuable to the state or its people.
However, states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey are demonstrating more than ever the potential benefits of allowing gambling activities. The state governments are garnering huge revenue boosts from these activities (since winnings are taxable). At the same time, people are enjoying their favorite casino or sports betting events as they please.
Gambling Casinos Near Nashville Tennessee Downtown
If Tennessee’s recent sports betting legislation turns out to be a success, and the government sees a big spike in revenue, it’s possible that the government’s tune about casino legalization may change. In effect, casino legalization successes in other states may inspire Tennessee to copy them in the future.
Yes. Since sweepstakes casinos do not allow players to wager real money, they technically aren’t a form of outlawed gambling. Sweepstakes casinos and websites use Sweeps Coins and Gold Coins. These are both types of digital currencies meant for online gaming.
Sweepstakes casinos essentially work like this:
- Players purchase Gold Coin packages to use on sweepstakes casino games
- With each Gold Coin package purchase, players get a few Sweeps Coins to play with sweepstakes specific games
- When a player wins a sweeps game, they can potentially get a cash prize. However, players can’t receive cash prizes for playing games that take Gold Coins
This allows players to enjoy casino or poker activities without technically breaking any laws. Well-known and reviewed sweepstakes casino sites include LuckyLand Slots and Chumba Casino. Both include slots games, and Chumba offers a limited number of other digital table games.
Gambling Casinos Nashville Tennessee
Many sweepstakes casino sites are legal because they don’t allow players to wager real money in any capacity. Players can still buy Gold Coins with cash, but cash is technically not put on the line with any game.
At the time of this writing, any gambling winnings in Tennessee are taxed at a rate of 1%. This is pretty low for players, so don’t worry about losing most of your winnings if you come back from a successful casino trip from out-of-state.
However, be aware that out-of-state gambling winnings are still taxable. Tennessee residents must pay tax on any out-of-state casino winnings at the end of the year.
Alongside sports betting, Tennessee has maintained a lottery for quite some time. However, this lottery can only be played in person. That, and players much purchase tickets at licensed locations.
Bingo and other games of charity are sometimes allowed under very strict circumstances.
- Lottery (2002)
- $323 million
- $930 million
- 18
- Tennessee permits smoking anywhere minors are not permitted
- There are no forms of legalized online gambling in Tennessee
There are no Tennessee casinos or gambling other than the state lottery. Charities may not hold bingo games but may spread low limit raffles for prizes but not cash. That is the only other form of gambling if you can call it that. There are, however, many event centers that will provide transport to casinos within nearby states.
Tennessee is a very conservative state. It was the 48th state to legalize some form of gambling when voters approved a constitutional amendment to create a lottery in November 2002. Players looking for casino action on the west side of the state will need to go to Tunica, MS. Those on the east side of the state are within a couple of hours of one of the Harrah’s casinos in North Carolina. Nashville residents will need to drive north to Indiana, Ohio or Illinois.
There is no horse racing in Tennessee. Kentucky fills that void just to the north with live and off-track betting on horses. There are also instant racing machines at some Kentucky tracks. Below you will find a guide of Tennessee casino event centers that take gamblers to casinos in other states.
Paying Gambling Taxes in Tennessee
OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes on your gambling winnings straight from a Certified Public Accountant. For more information please visit our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.
Tennessee Casinos Map of Event Centers
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Type of Online Tennessee Gambling Allowed
There are no forms of legal online gambling in Tennessee. Daily fantasy sports sites operate in the state. The companies claim to fall under skill gaming exemptions. State law seems to contradict that, according to experienced gaming lawyers. The state legislature is looking to create a committee of nine members to investigate how to regulate the daily fantasy sports industry. In the meantime, sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, and CBS Sports accept players from the state.
Types of Live Tennessee Gambling
- Casino Games: No
- Horses: No
- Lottery: Yes
The only form of legalized Tennessee gambling is a state lottery. Scratch-off and lotto tickets may be sold. This includes state drawings like Cash 3 and Cash 4, as well as interstate lottos like Mega Millions and Powerball.
There are three casino cities near Tennessee state lines. Tunica County, Mississippi has resort-style casinos with a full slate of games that include slots, video poker, live poker and table games. West Memphis, Arkansas has the same selection of games except that the poker room is digital. Harrah’s Cherokee is just east in North Carolina. Its two resorts offer slots, video poker, a digital poker room and table games.
Any resident of Tennessee that wants to play at these casinos can simply drive out to them. There are also Tennessee casinos services that transport players to and from these locations in neighboring states. For a small fee, players will get taken to these casinos that lie right on the Tennessee border.
Tennessee Gambling Laws
Tennessee gambling in virtually all forms is banned. Tennessee gambling is defined as a game where money is risked where there is any degree contingent on chance. This is why daily fantasy sports experts think that those games are illegal in Tennessee. Most gambling crimes are misdemeanors.
The only game of chance legal in Tennessee is a lottery but only if it is operated by the state. Lottery players must be at least 18 years of age. The Tennessee Lottery may only offer instant scratch-offs and lotto games. Tickets may not be sold over the Internet.
Tennessee is one of just three states where charitable bingo is illegal. Utah and Hawaii are the other two states. Charities may hold an annual function with prizes held through raffles or a similar procedure. The annual event may not raise more than $5,000.
List of Tennessee Casinos
As there are no Tennessee casinos within the state border, players must look elsewhere to bet on regular casino games. However, the only places in Tennessee to gamble are the thousands of convenience stores that sell lottery tickets. Horse racing enthusiasts can travel to neighboring Kentucky for live and off-track action. Tennessee casino gamblers can go to Arkansas, Mississippi or North Carolina.
History of Tennessee Gambling
Bingo is illegal today in Tennessee, even for charities. It is one of just three states to do not permit it. That was not always the case.
Operation Rocky Top was an FBI sting that targeted the bingo industry. There were 300 bingo operations running in 1986 when a lawmaker approached the FBI saying he had been offered a bribe. State Rep. Randy McNally infiltrated the illegal bingo businesses that turned a game meant for charities into commercial operations. McNally was offered a $10,000 bribe to help push for horse racing in the state. In January 1989, the case was brought out in the open and indictments was unsealed. More than 50 people were convicted in Operation Rocky Top.
The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled on March 1, 1989, that bingo should have been illegal all along. The court stated that bingo, even for charities, violated the constitutional ban on lotteries.
Tennessee Casinos & Gambling FAQ
Is there gambling in Tennessee?
The only form of legalized gambling is a state lottery.
What types of games are offered by the Tennessee Lottery?
Scratch-off and lotto tickets are sold. This includes interstate jackpot games like Mega Millions and Powerball.
Can you buy Tennessee Lottery tickets over the Internet?
State law does not permit the sale of lottery tickets over the Internet.
Lottery players must be at least 18 years of age.
Are daily fantasy sports contests legal in Tennessee?
Many legal experts believe daily fantasy sports are illegal in Tennessee due to the “any chance” language in the state’s gambling law. This does not keep sites from operating in the state.
What daily fantasy sites accept Tennessee players?
FanDuel and DraftKings are the two major sites that accept players from Tennessee.
There are no casinos in Tennessee. For those residents that still want to gamble have to go to nearby states.
South Land Park in West Memphis is right across the Mississippi River from Memphis. It offers slots, video poker, table games and a poker room. There are several resort casinos about 45 minutes south of Memphis in Mississippi.
Where are the closest casinos to Knoxville and Chattanooga?
The closest casinos to Knoxville and Chattanooga are the pair of Harrah’s Cherokee casinos in western North Carolina.
Tropicana Evansville in Indiana is the closest casino to Nashville.
Are online poker, casino and sports betting sites legal in Tennessee?
No. All of these sites are unlicensed and illegal in the state.