TCA 39-17-502
Gambling – Defenses
MISDEMEANOR CClass C Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal to knowingly engage in gambling (risking money or valuables on games of chance). A person can defend themselves by proving they reasonably and in good faith believed the gambling activity was legal because a promoter told them it was an authorized event. Violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $50.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass C Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail30 days
Maximum Fine$50
Penalty SummaryClass C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50
(a) A person commits an offense who knowingly engages in gambling. (b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section, which must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, that a person reasonably and in good faith relied upon the representations of a gambling promoter that a gambling activity was lawful because it was an authorized annual event pursuant to title 3, chapter 17. It is not an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that a person engaged in a gambling activity that was not an authorized type of lottery game pursuant to title 3, chapter 17. (c) The offense of gambling is a Class C misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Recent Bookings with this Charge
View allQuick Facts
MISDEMEANOR C
TCA Section39-17-502
Max Jail30 days
Max Fine$50
Recent Bookings1+
Geographic Distribution
Shelby1