Sportzino Leaves Tennessee After Order From State Regulators

Sportzino, a social gaming and sportsbook brand from Canadian operator Blazesoft, has left Tennessee following a directive from the state’s Sports Wagering Council (SWC).

Good to know

• Sportzino stopped its sweepstakes sports gaming in Tennessee after the SWC’s order.
• The platform launched in 2023, offering casino-style titles alongside sports and esports contests.
• Tennessee’s online-only betting market is valued at $5.6 billion annually.

The council confirmed that the company shut down its operations in the state last week. Sportzino had been active for less than two years, blending free-to-play sports contests with more than 1,000 casino-style games.

Tennessee regulators have been increasing their crackdown on operators without licenses. The SWC has already fined 12 platforms a combined $600,000 for running unregulated betting services. Officials point to lost tax revenue and weaker consumer protections as key reasons behind the enforcement push.

Mary Beth Thomas, Executive Director of the SWC, underlined the issue: licensed platforms maintain safeguards that illegal operators do not, including measures against underage play and rules that block credit card wagering. She added that enforcement would remain a top priority for the council.

Sportzino’s withdrawal adds it to a growing list of brands leaving Tennessee after regulatory action. Bovada and Legendz both exited earlier this year under similar pressure from the SWC.