It’s too late for this year’s Run for the Roses, but by 2020, Tennesseans may be able to place mobile bets on the Kentucky Derby.

It’s too late for this year’s Run for the Roses, but by 2020, Tennesseans may be able to place mobile bets on the Kentucky Derby.

Legislation to bring mobile sports wagers to the Bluegrass State went to the House State committee April 9 after a 12-5 vote (there was one abstention).

House Bill I enjoys bipartisan sponsorship, backed by Rep. Rick Staples, a Knoxville Democrat, along with Sen. Steve Dickerson, a Nashville Republican.

Interestingly, lawmakers advanced a bill that allows mobile sports betting, but prohibits such bets at the state’s land-based casinos.

One amendment, added at the request of the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University, bars a long list of individuals from placing bets. The list includes:

• College athletes
• Sports team owners
• Certain school officials and board members
• College students and employees “with access to certain confidential information” and
• People who own sports books or work in the sports betting industry

The bill would also prohibit betting on individual performance by college athletes.

Mobile sports bets still face a few roadblocks. A Senate panel has cast a nonbinding vote in opposition to the bill, and it still must be reviewed by another committee.

Stay tuned for more developments.