Chicago Council passes budget with 10.25% sports betting tax
Chicago’s City Council passed an alternate 2026 budget that includes a 10.25% tax on wagers placed within city limits and a video gaming terminal provision. The Sports Betting Alliance warned the proposed licensing framework could prevent operators from complying by 1 January 2026 and force them to suspend services; the budget now goes to Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Operators could suspend Chicago services if the proposed licensing framework prevents compliance by the budget’s effective date.