Illinois is adding a 25-cent fee to all bets and 50-cent fee to high-volume sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel starting July 1. Illinoisans lost $1.12 billion in 2024, with $700 million of that on parlays. The new fees will add even more to that total.

Illinoisans will wager roughly $400M during March Madness based on last year’s numbers. Sportsbooks in Illinois will also be paying a higher tax than ever before.

Video gaming already generated $428 million in tax revenue so far in 2024. Part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new Illinois state budget relies on more revenue from video gaming machines. The tax hike started July 1.

Illinois is on pace for four new casinos in 2023, but the state’s tax payout from video gambling in local bars and restaurants remains a much bigger win.

Chicago is in line for casino gaming soon, but its success is dwindling as video gaming machines and sports betting rise.

Chicago is getting closer to getting a casino, but more ways and places to gamble do not necessarily mean more state revenue. Illinois would be better off betting on pension reform.

Chicago’s mayor wants permission from Springfield to impose a new tax on high-end professional services and raise taxes on pricier home sales, as the city faces down a $1 billion deficit.

Answers to frequently asked questions about new casinos and sports betting in Illinois.