While the controversial legal and regulatory dispute over local sportsbook Tennessee Action 24/7 has commanded most of the attention recently around sports betting in Tennessee, a bill that would completely upend who runs the show is on the move, and it has big-time support.
Basically, the legislature is moving to take the authority currently vested in the Tennessee Education Lottery (TELC) to regulate sports wagering and exercise disciplinary measures, and shift it to the nine-member Sports Wagering Advisory Council, which is made up of three appointees apiece from the governor, Senate president, and House speaker.
And the developments appear at least somewhat related, with direction on a change of control coming from the top down.
