Tennessee Governor allows betting bill to pass into law

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has allowed a bill to legalise sports betting to pass without his signature, despite having made clear his opposition to expanding gambling in the US state.

SB0016 will permit wagering both online and via remote kiosks in Tennessee, and is due to come into effect from July 1 this year.

Last month, the bill cleared the House by a vote of 51-40 after passing through the state Senate by a vote of 20-12. It replaced a previous version (HB0001) after the House concurred with a number of amendments made by the Senate.

Governor Lee (pictured) has been outspoken about his opposition to plans to legalise online sports betting, but said that he would allow the bill to pass into law.

“I am letting House Bill 0001 become law without my signature,” Lee said in a statement. “I do not believe the expansion of gambling through online sports betting is in the best interest of our state, but I do appreciate the General Assembly’s efforts to remove brick and mortar establishments."

Read the full story on iGB North America.

Image: Famartin