WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1992

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 Ferrell Haile

Tennessee makes it a Class E felony to manipulate event outcomes while holding financial interests in prediction market contracts tied to those results.

Signed by Senate Speaker
#criminaloffenses
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1992

Legislative bill overview

SB 1992 creates a new Class E felony in Tennessee for manipulating the outcome of events while holding financial interests in prediction market contracts tied to those outcomes. The bill defines prediction markets as platforms where individuals trade contracts based on future event results, and criminalizes conduct intended to influence outcomes when the person or another would financially benefit.

Why is this important

Prediction markets—platforms similar to sports betting or derivatives exchanges—have grown in popularity and could theoretically incentivize fraud, match-fixing, or sabotage if participants can profit from manipulating outcomes. This bill attempts to close a legal gap by explicitly criminalizing such behavior, protecting the integrity of events and fair competition. The near-unanimous Senate passage (28-1) suggests broad bipartisan concern about this emerging issue.

Potential points of contention

  • Vagueness of "conduct intended to influence": The definition may be overly broad and capture legitimate persuasion, advocacy, or lawful business practices that coincidentally affect outcomes, creating enforcement and constitutional challenges.
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether this applies only to sports/games or extends to political elections, economic events, or other outcomes where prediction markets exist, potentially creating unintended criminalization.
  • Indirect benefit language: The phrase "directly or indirectly" could ensnare people far removed from the actual manipulation (employees, family members, associates) without clear intent or knowledge, raising fairness concerns.

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

Sign in to ask a question.