Overview
- Illinois Gaming Board data for September 2025 show roughly 5 million fewer bets than a year earlier, a 15% decline.
- Total handle rose 9% year over year to a record $1.4 billion, generating $10.6 million in taxes.
- Average wager climbed to $46.44, up 28% from last year, as companies raised minimums or added per-transaction fees.
- The per-bet levy that took effect in July charges 25 cents on each operator’s first 20 million wagers, then 50 cents per bet after that.
- Industry groups warn higher costs are pushing bettors to offshore platforms, and Illinois’ attorney general has urged the DOJ to pursue illegal operators.