A new law being proposed for Tennesseans would allow sports betting.

The "Tennessee Sports Gaming Act" would allow local governments to decide whether or not to allow sports betting. According to the bill's sponsor, state representative Rick Staples, the intent of the bill is to allow local governments to have a new form of income. He said the state is losing billions of dollars to other states.

A new federal law would allow sports gambling in the state if state leaders approve "Tennessee Sports Gaming Act."

The hope is that this will help smaller municipalities.

Some leaders say local bars or restaurants that are not serving alcohol in the same area that the sports book is could generate a lot of income and even more tax dollars.

The next legislative session begins January 8.