Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in his proposed $16.6 billion budget for 2026, plans to impose a 10.25% local tax on sports betting revenue, expected to generate about $26 million annually to help offset a $1.15 billion budget deficit. The proposal is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will b
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
After the Illinois legislature passed the fiscal year 2025 budget, which includes a new sports betting tax, stocks of sports betting companies such as DraftKings, Flutter, and MGM significantly dropped on Monday, with the market reacting strongly to this new policy.The new budget includes a key prov
The Illinois legislature recently passed a new bill unexpectedly that raises the tax on sports betting, shocking the industry. This tax increase aims to fill a huge budget deficit, but it could impose a heavy burden on large sports betting companies and prompt them to consider new business models t
Illinois lawmakers are working to classify compulsive gambling as a substance abuse disorder with a bill in the state capitol.If gambling disorder is categorized under the Substance Use Disorder Act, the Illinois Department of Human Services would be able to create programs for the prevention, recog
Blue Island voters supported limiting the number of gaming cafes, but were split on whether to make Western Avenue a two-way street between 127th Street and Grove Street in nonbinding advisory referendums Tuesday.The referendum to limit gaming cafes received 76% support, according to unofficial resu
The Illinois Gaming Board has told Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com to cease and desist. The regulator claims the company is engaging in unlicensed sports wagering.Illinois joins Ohio, New Jersey, and Nevada in states that have deemed the increasing adoption of sports events contracts to be against
Bet365 Forays into Tennessee and IllinoisBet365, a leader in sports betting, has expanded its US presence by launching in two new markets. The company’s products are now available to players in the states of Illinois and Tennessee, providing locals with exciting wagering opportunities.Bet365 Enters
Approaching its third year of operation, the American Place casino now has an entertainment venue giving customers another precursor to the permanent luxury resort and casino which is expected to eventually open on a 40-acre parcel near the Fountain Square shopping center.Converting a portion of one
Decatur is in line to be the site of a horse racing track with a casino under legislation in the works in the state Capitol.The legislation, which has yet to be filed, would specifically authorize an organization license for harness racing in Macon County.Though the license would technically be open
Just over a year after the groundbreaking for the new $360 million Hollywood Casino-Aurora resort, officials said construction is on track and set to be completed in the first half of 2026.The announcement was made at a small ceremony on Thursday, which was held among the construction at the site of
A monumental sports betting handle in October led to a 24.5% year-over-year increase and a new record for the amount wagered in the Land of Lincoln.The Illinois Gaming Board recently reported a monthly handle of $1.45 billion, ahead of the previous high of $1.37 billion set in November 2023. Dollars
The Kambi Group, a home of premium sports betting solutions, has closed a multi-year sportsbook deal with Wind Creek Hospitality, an entity of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, to boost the new sportsbook at the operator's property in Chicago Southland, Illinois. According to the parties, the partn
Accel Entertainment unveiled plans for its racino at the horse track formerly known Fairmount Park during the Illinois Gaming Board meeting on Thursday, targeting an opening of its temporary casino before the Kentucky Derby next May.Accel reached an agreement to purchase Fairmount Holdings, which ow
The Illinois Gaming Board reported nearly $878 million in traditional sports betting handle for August on Friday as sportsbooks in the Land of Lincoln had a middling performance.The completed events handle was $865.2 million, with the difference likely represented by college and NFL futures wagering
With another neighboring state considering legalizing sports betting, Gov. J.B. Pritzker doesn’t see any adverse effects on Illinois’ sports betting industry.Next month, voters in Missouri will decide whether to legalize sports betting. DraftKings recently contributed another $5 million in efforts t
