Illinois records 15% fewer sports wagers in September after per-bet tax
Illinois recorded 15% fewer sports bets in September, with five million fewer wagers, according to figures attributed to the Illinois Gaming Board. Bettors wagered $1.4bn, while sportsbook revenue fell to $103m from $131m a year earlier; the levy generated $10.6m in receipts. Sports Betting Alliance of Illinois spokesperson Maura Possley said the tax increase was driving players away from regulated betting.
The wager decline and operator surcharges show how the state levy is affecting regulated sportsbooks and bettors.