meta_id 3479654

On August 11, 2026, the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC) issued cease and desist demands to three unlicensed offshore sportsbooks operating illegally within Tennessee: Heritage Sports (Costa Rica-based), Thunderpick (Belize-based), and Voltage Bet (Curacao-based). The SWC demanded these operators immediately cease accepting wagers from Tennessee residents in violation of the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act. The SWC emphasised that unlicensed sportsbooks do not provide consumer protections required of licensed operators, including age verification to prevent wagering by individuals under 21 years old and prohibitions on credit-based wagering. The council noted that unlicensed operators frequently target underage players and employ predatory credit practices. Additionally, consumers who engage with unlicensed sportsbooks risk exposing personal and financial information to criminal enterprises. Tennessee businesses working with unlicensed offshore sportsbooks may face criminal penalties. The Tennessee Sports Gaming Act authorises the SWC to impose escalating fines for accepting wagers without a licence: $10,000 for the first offense, $15,000 for the second offense, and $25,000 for the third offense. Subsequent offenses incur $25,000 fines per occurrence, with each single wager accepted in Tennessee constituting a separate occurrence. The SWC identified illegal sportsbooks by characteristics including allowing underage wagering, extending credit, accepting cryptocurrency, and offering casino games or chance-based wagers. The council encouraged consumers to withdraw funds immediately and directed them to tn.gov/swac for a list of licensed sportsbooks approved to operate in Tennessee. SWC Executive Director Mary Beth Thomas said the council continues collaborating with state and federal law enforcement to eliminate illegal operations and protect Tennessee residents, particularly ahead of football season.