Despite the fact it is right next door to the horse racing mecca of Kentucky, the state of Tennessee could not be further away when it comes to the horse racing industry. There are no live racing tracks in the state, no off track betting and no simulcast racing. In fact, wagering on live racing in the state hasn't taken place for close to 100 years. There are also no casinos in the state.
Tennessee Off Track Betting Sites
Despite the fact there is no live racing in the state, Tennessee horse racing fans can still bet the ponies though an online racebook account. Most quality online racebooks require very low first deposit minimums - and give a bonus back on that deposit - and other regular promotions.
While all top-rated online racebooks offer similar bonuses and promotions, there are small differences for anyone thinking of opening an account to consider.
One of the best racebook promotions is win-or-lose cash back rebates, and when it comes to that, BetOnline has a very good program. Unlike other racebooks that offer a different percentage of cash back for exotic bets and straight wagers - with straight wagers typically lower - BetOnline rebates 7% of your daily wagering volume back into your account, no matter the type of wager.
In addition, BetOnline offers wagering on a long list of tracks in North America and overseas, and up to a $25 refund to try again if your very first wager happens to lose.
Tennessee Horse Race Tracks
While there are currently no live tracks in the state of Tennessee, it hasn't been for lack of trying, and there is some hope on the horizon. In 1987 the state formed a Racing Commission to oversee pari-mutual wagering, and over the next 10 years, five different groups applied to build a track.
The bid by Penn National Gaming in 1997 was actually approved and a license granted, but later that year the Racing Commission was disbanded, and the deal fell apart. In 2016, the state formed the Horse Racing Advisory committee, with the mandate to spend two years studying the feasability of bringing live racing to the state.
