Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed a new tax on each sports wager, according to a report. The proposal would also raise online casino duty to 36% for the largest operators.
The proposed tax changes could increase the cost of sports betting and online casino operations in Michigan.
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Illinois Representative Daniel Didech filed House Bill 5143 to repeal the state’s per-bet sports betting fees. Illinois Gaming Board figures cited in the report show nearly 30 million fewer wagers over four months; a separate bill would bar municipalities from adding betting taxes.
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.
Representatives Dan Goldman and Blake Moore introduced the Gambling Disorder Health Study Act on 3 June, proposing a multi-year federal study of gambling disorder and prevention and treatment approaches. The bill would direct 10% of federal excise tax revenue on state-authorised wagers to fund the work for up to three fiscal years, with annual reports to Congress from the Health and Human Services Secretary.
Illinois Representative Daniel Didech filed HB5143 to end the state’s per-bet sportsbook fee from 1 July 2026, according to the report. The bill would amend the fee’s scheduled duration; operators currently pay $0.25 on the first 20 million bets and $0.50 on additional wagers. It would need to pass before the change takes effect.
Illinois House Gaming Committee chairman Daniel Didech filed HB 5143 to repeal the state's $0.25 and $0.50 sports-wagering surcharges, and HB 5142 to classify specified prediction-market activity as sports wagering. The report says the surcharge raised $62.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2025-26, while the state recorded about 27.6 million fewer bets over four months.