Tennessee Campus Betting Ban Proposal: Prevention or a Delayed Step?
The state of Tennessee has prepared a bill to ban sports betting on university campuses. However, experts note that this step may be insufficient and too late in the face of problems that have emerged since sports betting was legalized in 2018.
Problems Following Rapid Legalization
After the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door for states to legalize sports betting in 2018, many states moved quickly. The potential for tax revenue took precedence over legal frameworks. This process led to the proliferation of the multi-billion dollar industry, particularly through online and mobile betting platforms, before the regulatory infrastructure was adequately established.
Increase in Gambling Addiction and Match-Fixing Scandals
With the spread of legal sports betting, a significant increase in gambling addiction has been observed. A study published in 2025 revealed that internet searches for help with gambling addiction increased by 23% between 2018 and June 2024. The research showed that this increase accelerated even more with the advent of online sports betting sites compared to the opening of physical casinos.
In recent years, a series of high-profile match-fixing scandals have also occurred in the environment where sports betting became legal. The NBA imposed a lifetime ban on Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter for allegedly manipulating bets related to his performance. Similar allegations involved Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Cleveland Guardians baseball players. More recently, federal prosecutors disclosed the names of 39 players from 17 teams allegedly involved in fixing men's college basketball games during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
Tennessee's Campus Ban Proposal and Criticisms
In the shadow of these developments, the Tennessee state legislature began considering a bill aimed at banning sports betting on university campuses and the placement of betting advertisements within campuses. The bill specifically aims to prevent gambling addiction among young adults.
However, critics argue that this measure may be 'too little, too late.' In an era where betting apps are accessible beyond campus boundaries, on everyone's smartphone, it is noted that a ban focused on a physical area will have limited impact. Experts emphasize the need for more comprehensive regulations, education programs, and support systems to combat addiction and protect the integrity of sports. The ease of access provided by technology calls into question the effectiveness of traditional geographical restrictions. This situation also brings to mind debates about regulating other rapidly developing technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
