Illinois players choosing illegal sports betting sites due to high taxes: report – KTVI (St. Louis)

The Sports Betting Alliance reported that data from the Illinois Gaming Board’s November 2025 Sports Wagering Report showed a 15.4 percent decrease in sports bets placed in the state, which totals 6.1 million fewer than those placed in November 2024. The group says similar 15 percent drops were recorded in September and October 2025 after the per‑wager tax took effect, bucking national expectations for record legal betting around the Super Bowl.
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OldJoe
6 months ago

Hmm…..could it really be possible that Illinois tax policies make bookies look like a better value?

Morefandave
6 months ago

Illinois is a hazardous place for any geese laying golden eggs.

Mark F
6 months ago

So the Chicago mob gives you a better deal than Illinois government!?!

Yellow Matter Custard
6 months ago
Reply to  Mark F

They pay no government bullstuff

Call my shrink
6 months ago

The state doesn’t play by the rules. Lets you bet then taxes the shit out of you. I left my state site and use an offshore account. Screw em

Hello, Indiana!
6 months ago

Leave it to the Marxist dimwits not to even entertain the notion that people will set up another account out of state and bet from there or simply return to the good ole bookies.

Wally
6 months ago

As usual in IL, raise taxes and revenue does not increase as projected as people find a way around tax. See the soda tax. Raising taxes on cigarettes, gas, and alcohol never raises revenue money hungry politicians want.

Proud Deplorable
6 months ago
Reply to  Wally

That’s why I crossed the border into Indiana for my shopping whenever I could.

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