Sports gambling was supposed to create new revenue. Instead it’s damaging college scholarships

By: Adam Friedman

Outlets: Tennessee Lookout

Published: March 16, 2026

Words: 619

Last Updated: 5 days, 2 hours ago

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When Tennessee lawmakers legalized sports gambling in 2019, they hoped it would create a new revenue source.

But nearly seven years later, while Tennessee’s sports gambling tax revenue exceeds $100 million, the state’s Lottery-funded scholarship program faces an $80 million budget deficit. Now, higher education officials are warning that if the funding hole isn’t addressed, the state will have to dramatically reduce costs, like the number of scholarships it offers.

“I can say pretty confidently …

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