Committee adds TASER study to sweepstakes bill after opponent warns legal gambling also deceives consumers

Sponsor explained that amendment 015828 removes online sweepstakes from the bill’s prohibitive activities but adds a new section directing a TASER study of online sweepstakes, requiring an estimated revenue report to be delivered to the speakers of the Senate and the House by Jan. 31, 2027. "It defines what online sweepstakes games are and it directs a TASER study to perform a study on the online sweepstakes games available in Tennessee and estimate the revenue that would be generated by the state if such games were taxed and regulated and report the findings to the speakers of the Senate in the House by 01/31/2027," the sponsor said.

Charles Armistead, identifying himself as leader of the religious coalition of the National Stop Predatory Gambling Foundation, testified in favor of stopping illegal gambling but cautioned that established sports‑betting operators also "deceive, manipulate, and scam" bettors and said consumer protections should apply equitably. The chair redirected the witness to focus remarks on sweepstakes as the amendment addresses that issue. After discussion and testimony the clerk announced 8 ayes and 0 nos, and the chair said the bill moves on to full consent.