Legal
August 4, 2025
Illinois Regulator Cracks Down on Video Gaming Operator due to Alleged Mob Ties
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has revoked the video gaming license of a Cicero diner after discovering that the license holder, Firebird Enterprise Inc., allegedly hid substantial ties to illegal gambling and organized crime. The ruling shuts down gaming activities at the Steak’n Egger restaurant on Ogden Avenue, where machines were deactivated on Friday following […]
Industry
July 18, 2025
Illinois Operators React to Tax Hikes with Minimum Sport Betting Wagers
BetMGM and Hard Rock Bet are the latest operators in Illinois to introduce new minimum wager requirements, a move prompted by the state’s recent increase in sports betting taxes. Other operators, meanwhile, are passing the financial burden of the raised taxes to consumers via surcharges. Hard Rock Bet and BetMGM Impose Minimum Sports Betting in […]
Sports
July 15, 2025
BetMGM to Roll Out $2.50 Minimum Wager in Illinois on Wednesday
Sports bettors in Illinois are in for a rude awakening, with planned changes to the betting landscape occasioned by the passage of a new law that will raise the financial pressure on sportsbooks. BetMGM Bucks the Trend, Tries to Capitalize on Change While FanDuel and DraftKings said that they would charge $0.50 on their customers’ […]
Casino
July 14, 2025
Illinois to Legalize Online Casinos for Real Money Eventually, AG Says
The Attorney General of Illinois, Kwame Raoul, said on Thursday last week that the state will be seeing the arrival of online casinos before long. The type you can play for real money, he clarified. This is not the first time an AG has weighed in on gambling matters, with California’s own Attorney General, Rob […]
Casino
July 7, 2025
Illinois Casinos Face Questions Over Mob-Connected Contractors
Three big casinos in Illinois have faced questions over the years about working with companies that people say have ties to organized crime. Now, Bally’s Casino Chicago is the latest to deal with these concerns, as regulators look into its connection to a contractor tied to mob activity. The Illinois Gaming Board has not said […]
Sports
July 2, 2025
Fanatics Sportsbook Sets 25-cent Betting Surcharge in Illinois
Fanatics Sportsbook is the full dissident to mount a challenge against the rest of the sports betting operators in the state of Illinois, which is now going to undergo a change in tax structure for sportsbooks. Betting Surcharge Kept to a Minimum, Bettors Not Happy Either Way Because the state will be charging higher tax […]
Legal
June 30, 2025
Gambling Evidence Can Be Used in Illinois Fraud Trial of Health Official
A Kankakee County judge has decided that the jury can hear evidence about Dee Ann Schippert‘s gambling habits. Schippert, who used to run the Iroquois County Public Health Department, faces over 30 felony charges. These charges relate to claims that she misused public money. Gambling Ties Deemed Crucial in $100K Fraud Case Against Dee Schippert […]
Lottery
June 24, 2025
Illinois Lucky Devil Bags $800,000 Lottery Payday
An Illinois iLottery player has much to share with his friends and family after the anonymous person won $800,000, bagging the Lucky Day Lotto jackpot this past weekend. The winning numbers 15-22-28-36-38 were won by the person who had played online on Sunday, June 22. One Person Bags the Top Prize worth $800K Overall, there […]
Sports
June 19, 2025
DraftKings CEO Blasts Illinois Betting Tax as Harmful
DraftKings chief executive officer Jason Robins has once again criticized Illinois’ new sports betting tax, calling it “incredibly ill-conceived” and warning that it could hurt both the industry and consumers. “It Just Makes No Sense” In a candid interview with CNBC, Robins said the sudden implementation of the tax blindsided operators and will likely force […]
Sports
June 13, 2025
DraftKings Plans 50-Cent Fee for Illinois Bets to Offset Tax Increase
DraftKings says it will add a 50-cent charge to every online and mobile sports bet in Illinois starting September 1, 2025. This decision mirrors FanDuel‘s recent action and serves as a direct reaction to new tax laws passed by Illinois lawmakers. Rising Illinois Sports Betting Taxes Threaten Legal Market, Warns DraftKings CEO The new state […]
