NASHVILLE — Legendz, an online social entertainment platform that offered a social sportsbook, has ceased offering its social sportsbook services in Tennessee, and Tennessee customers who missed the withdrawal window should contact the company directly.

Legendz voluntarily stopped offering its services in the Volunteer State April 8 after the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC) issued a letter to the company regarding potential violations of the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act.

The SWC’s mission is to protect the public interest of Tennessee through a safe, regulated sports wagering environment.

“Offering sports wagering in Tennessee is a taxable privilege, and we appreciate Legendz’s willingness to comply,” SWC Executive Director Mary Beth Thomas said.

Tennessee is the largest “online-only” sports betting market in the U.S., with more than $4.7 billion a year wagered in Tennessee through online sportsbooks licensed by the SWC.

Sports bettors in Tennessee should always remember that just because they can access a website or download an app does not mean that sportsbook is operating legally in Tennessee. Bettors can always go to tn.gov/swac for a list of approved licensees and registrants.

Illegal sportsbooks can often be identified by these factors, all of which are illegal in Tennessee:

–    Extending credit;
–    Wagering with cryptocurrency; and
–    Offering casino games, such as slots or online poker, or chance-based wagers, such as the coin toss or the color of the          Gatorade.

Licensed online sportsbook operators provide important player protections not found in the illegal market, including protecting consumers, holding reserves to pay wagers and keeping personal information secure.

Licensed sportsbooks must also follow certain restrictions under state law, such as prohibiting individuals under 21 years old from wagering and refusing to allow wagering on credit.