Posted on: April 13, 2026, 01:12h.
Last up to date on: April 13, 2026, 01:12h.
- The sportsbook operator is waiving its 50-cent surcharge on sports activities bets positioned in Illinois via June 19
- That could also be a sign {that a} invoice to repeal the tax has momentum
- The tax went into impact final July
FanDuel, the biggest US sportsbook operator, is hitting the pause button on its per wager price in Illinois. The firm introduced final week it’s scrapping the 50-cent surcharge via June 19.
The transfer could also be a sign that laws lately proposed by Rep. Daniel Didech (D), the chairman of the gaming committee, to repeal the state’s newest sports activities wagering tax enhance is gaining momentum. Last yr, Illinois rolled out a new levy of 25 cents per wager on an operator’s first 20 million booked bets, with that fee doubling to 50 cents per wager for every wager positioned after that preliminary 20 million.
That tax scheme is especially onerous for DraftKings and FanDuel as a result of they’re the 2 operators in Illinois that frequently guide 20 million or extra bets on an annual foundation.
Predictably, the gaming trade broadly rebuked the per wager tax as a result of it grew to become legislation only a yr after Illinois went to a progressive tax system on sports activities wagering that additionally focused the biggest operators by market share. FanDuel, which is owned by Flutter Entertainment, hasn’t publicly commented on why it halted the per wager price in Illinois.
Illinois Per Bet Tax Drew Various Responses
After Illinois unveiled its plan to put a tax on every cellular sports activities wager positioned within the state, FanDuel revealed its 50-cent surcharge with DraftKings following go well with quickly thereafter. Fanatics additionally rolled out a 25-cent surcharge.
Other operators responded to the state’s tax enhance by elevating their minimal measurement, which was higher obtained amongst bettors than the per wager transaction charges. Illinois was the primary state to implement a per wager tax.
Data point out within the months for the reason that per wager tax went into impact, bettors within the Land of Lincoln are putting fewer wagers, however deal with hasn’t materially declined. It’s truly grown modestly, indicating bettors are possible wagering more cash whereas lowering their wagering frequency in response to the transaction prices.
Illinois, Operators in Tough Spots
Illinois wants income as highlighted by an estimated deficit of $2.2 to $3.2 billion for fiscal 2026-27. That regardless of greater than 50 tax will increase from Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) since he took workplace in 2019. That may make it troublesome to repeal taxes of any variety.
“The state continues to suffer from weak economic growth, the highest property taxes and the third highest corporate taxes in the nation along with persistent losses of residents and businesses,” in keeping with a February report from Illinois Policy.
Conversely, the sports activities betting trade wants Illinois, too. It’s the sixth-largest state by inhabitants, however it’s third amongst these with aggressive sports activities wagering markets and executives from some operators have acknowledged the state is vital to their long-term development aims. On the opposite hand, a 2025 report from Truist Securities signifies DraftKings and FanDuel would have paid a further $68 million and $77 million, respectively, in Illinois had the per wager tax been impact for your complete yr.
