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Despite having made clear his opposition to expanding gambling in the US state, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee returned the sports betting bill without a signature, which allows the bill to become law in his state.
The governor explained his decision on Twitter.
“I am letting House Bill 0001 become law without my signature. 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,” said Gov. Lee’s statement.
The bill sponsored by Rep. Rick Staples faced a strong opposition throughout the lawmaking process. However, in April, both the state Senate (20-12 in votes) and the House (51-40) supported the bill. Governor Lee has also been outspoken about his opposition to plans to legalize online sports betting, but he kept his word that he would allow the bill to pass into law.
Bill SB0016, first online-only law on the books in the US, will permit wagering both online and via remote kiosks in Tennessee and is due to come into effect from July 1 this year. Lawmakers expect to bring in over $50 million a year to the state thanks to the bill. Tennessee is also the first southern state to legalize sports betting and fourth total to do it this year, joining Montana, Indiana, and Iowa.
