BetMGM raised its minimum wager in Illinois to $2.50 from Wednesday, applying the floor to all bets, including parlays and bonus bets. The sportsbook is responding to the state’s per-wager tax; Hard Rock Bet has set a $2 minimum, while DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics announced plans for customer surcharges.
The higher minimum and planned surcharges change the costs and terms Illinois customers face as operators respond to the per-wager tax.
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
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Circa Sports said it will set a $10 minimum online wager in Illinois. ESPN Bet raised its minimum from $0.10 to $1 on 8 August, reportedly responding to the state's per-wager tax, which began in July.
BetMGM told customers it would require a $2.50 minimum wager in Illinois from 16 July, while Hard Rock Bet has introduced a $2 minimum. The operators’ changes follow a tax structure that charges $0.25 per bet on the first 20 million wagers and $0.50 thereafter, effective 1 July.
Rush Street Interactive said it may introduce minimum-bet rules in other US markets if tax structures change. Its BetRivers brand raised the Illinois minimum from $1 to $5 in January after the state introduced a per-wager tax, while RSI president and chief financial officer Kyle Sauers said the company had not passed through a transaction fee.
Chicago officials are considering a city tax on online sports betting, with the administration saying it has analysed the option. No proposed rate or amount was provided; the city currently taxes retail sports betting at 2% of gross gaming revenue.
Voters in Nebraska, Virginia and Indiana are considering gambling measures in the 2026 US midterm elections, according to the report. Nebraska Initiatives 440 and 441 would together allow regulated online sports wagering tied to licensed racetracks; Virginia measures concern local horse-racing venues, while votes in three Indiana counties concern eligibility to pursue a casino licence.