How Power and Payday Lending Collided in Tennessee Politic
- jwatson1211
- Feb 2
- 1 min read
A new investigative report from ProPublica and the Tennessee Lookout takes a hard look at how political influence helped keep a struggling sports gambling company afloat—and who benefited.
The article details how Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton intervened as regulators scrutinized Action 247, an online sportsbook tied to Advance Financial, a payday lending company known for charging triple-digit interest rates. The two businesses shared owners, storefronts, and customers, creating a rare—and troubling—mix of high-interest lending and gambling.
The reporting traces campaign donations, legislative maneuvering, and a last-minute overhaul of gambling oversight that allowed the company to continue operating despite regulator concerns. Advocates warn the arrangement was predatory and unlike anything seen in other states.
It’s a revealing look at money, power, and policy in Tennessee—and why oversight matters. We encourage you to read the full article to understand how this unfolded and what it means for consumers and accountability in our state.
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