Facing the continuous increase in gambling tax burden in Illinois, online gambling giant DraftKings announced that from September 1, 2025, a transaction fee of $0.50 per bet will be charged for all mobile and online betting in the state. This new policy follows in the footsteps of competitor FanDuel, which has decided to implement the same charge starting from July 1 this year.
This measure stems from Illinois House Bill No. 1928. Although the law does not mandate operators to pass on costs, it authorizes them to decide whether to address the tax increase through additional fees. DraftKings stated that the transaction fee will be used to mitigate the escalating tax pressure and promised that if future tax laws are repealed or undergo favorable changes, the fee will also be revoked.
DraftKings CEO and co-founder Jason Robins expressed strong dissatisfaction with Illinois' tax policy, stating that the state has more than doubled the tax rate imposed on them in just two years, severely threatening the stability of the legal gambling market. He criticized the government for "allowing the growth of illegal gambling platforms," which not only evade taxes but also fail to provide any regulatory protection for consumers.
It is worth noting that DraftKings is currently promoting responsible gambling in collaboration with UFC. The campaign, through TV commercials and social media, during a series of major events in 2025, promotes its "responsible gambling" tools, enhancing player self-control and risk awareness.
DraftKings emphasizes that its commitment to responsible gambling is not only a brand promise but also part of its cooperation with regulatory authorities, aimed at promoting sustainable policies while protecting player interests and maintaining market fairness. As the tax environment changes, DraftKings and other operators are also reevaluating their pricing strategies and business structures to maintain competitiveness within the regulatory framework.
The decision to introduce a per-bet fee in Illinois marks the first time the regulated gambling industry has directly responded to an increase in tax burden in this manner, indicating that the US gambling market is entering a new cycle of cost adjustments driven by policy.
