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HB 2079

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates the Class E felony offense of engaging in conduct intended to influence the outcome of an event while the person or another is a party to a contract with a prediction-market by which the person will benefit, directly or indirectly, from the occurrence of the outcome; defines "prediction-market" as a platform on which individuals trade contracts based on the outcome of unknown future events. - Amends TCA Title 39.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mary Littleton

HB 2079 makes it a Class E felony to manipulate event outcomes when profiting from prediction-market contracts, targeting market fraud but risking overly broad application to legitimate conduct.

H. Placed on Regular Calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2079

Legislative bill overview

HB 2079 creates a new Class E felony in Tennessee for manipulating event outcomes when the person has a financial interest through a prediction-market contract. The bill defines prediction-markets as platforms where individuals trade contracts based on unknown future events, criminalizing conduct designed to influence those outcomes for personal or indirect financial gain.

Why is this important

As prediction markets grow in popularity and legitimacy—including federal approval of some platforms—this legislation addresses potential fraud and manipulation risks. The bill attempts to protect market integrity and prevent bad-faith actors from artificially influencing outcomes they've wagered on, similar to existing sports-fixing laws but applied to a broader range of events.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and vagueness: "Conduct intended to influence" and "benefit, directly or indirectly" are broad terms that could criminalize legitimate advocacy, whistleblowing, or normal business decisions if someone holds a prediction contract
  • Prediction market definition: The bill doesn't distinguish between regulated, licensed markets and unregulated platforms, potentially criminalizing conduct on legitimate exchanges while the market industry itself remains largely unregulated
  • Enforcement challenges: Proving intent to influence an outcome specifically for prediction-market profit could be difficult; the bill may create prosecutorial discretion problems and unequal application

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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