The crackdown on illegal offshore sports betting continues in Tennessee as the Sports Wagering Council (SWC) has laid down fines amounting to $50,000 each for operators Lowvig and Sportsbetting.ag. According to a news release from the SWC, these fines follow the operators' failure to comply with cease and desist letters issued in April. The thing to remember is that running an unlicensed sportsbook in Tennessee is not only illicit, but it also puts consumers at risk.
With more than $5 billion wagered in the state this fiscal year, Tennessee's SWC is keen on maintaining a safe and regulated space for sports betting. Mary Beth Thomas, the SWC Executive Director, emphasized the difference between legal and illegal operators: "Licensed sportsbooks in Tennessee go through a rigorous process before they have the privilege to do business here," she said, as reported by the Sports Wagering Council. She also warned against the unprotected nature of consumer data with illegal sportsbooks, referring to them as criminals.
The penalties for accepting wagers without a license in Tennessee start at $10,000 for the first offense and can escalate with each subsequent violation. The Sports Gaming Act, which the Council enforces, details fines up to $25,000 for recurring offenders. The enforcement aims to eliminate illegal sportsbooks like Lowvig and Sportsbetting.ag, which are recognized by their credit extension offering, cryptocurrency wagering, and prohibited casino games.
