Both the number of bets placed and sports betting handle in Illinois were down year-over-year in March, nine months after it became the first (and so far only) state to impose a per-wager tax for online sports betting.
The Illinois Gaming Board Wednesday released its March revenue report, which showed bettors placed 21.4 million bets totaling $1.39 billion in handle. The number of bets was down from 29 million in March 2025, and the handle number is about $10 million less than the same time period last year.
In terms of revenue, operators reported $196.1 million in adjusted gross revenue, and paid $57 million in state and local taxes. Both of those numbers were up against 2025.
Beginning July 1 last year, Illinois sportsbooks became subject to a per-wager tax ranging between $0.25 and $0.50, and as of Jan. 1, 2026, operators are now also paying a separate 10.25% tax for transactions within the Chicago city limits. The effective tax rate for the biggest operators in Illinois is now more than 50% of adjusted gross revenue.
The year-over-year decline in the number of bets placed is part of an ongoing trend. Rep. Daniel Didech proposed legislation to repeal the per-wager tax, but the bill didn’t get out of the House before the April 17 crossover deadline. The state legislature is set to close May 31.
The drop in bets and handle comes during the same week that DraftKings announced plans to shutter its Wrigley Field sportsbook.
In March, bettors wagered more than $1 billion on professional sports despite the NCAA men’s basketball tournament being in full swing in March. Bettors wagered $372.3 million on college sports for the month.
Revenue up YoY in MI, NJ, PA
Michigan: Numbers were up across the board in Michigan with the gaming control board Tuesday reporting online sports betting handle of $460.8 million, and revenue of $24.5 million for April. Handle was up against April 2025’s $425 million, but down against March’s $494 million. Sports betting adjusted gross revenue was down 8.7% year over year. Operators paid a combined $3.3 million in taxes on online sports betting plus Detroit retail sportsbook receipts.
FanDuel had the highest handle, taking $145.8 million in bets and DraftKings was next highest with $127.9 million in handle.
New Jersey: Garden State bettors laid down $932.4 million in bets in April, and operators reported a second $100+ million gross revenue month, the state Division of Gambling Enforcement reported May 15. Revenue was up about 13% against last April, but down 6.2% against March. The big year-over-year revenue increase was due in large part to an 11% hold, as compared to 6.6% in April 2025. Gross revenue was $102.1 million. January ($114.2 million) is the other month sportsbooks broke the $100 million barrier for revenue. Operators paid the state a combined $21 million in taxes.
FanDuel led all operators with $39.7 million in revenue, followed by DraftKings with $25.7 million. For the third podium spot, Fanatics Sportsbook and BetMGM continue to battle it out — Fanatics reported $9 million in revenue in April while BetMGM reported $8.8 million in revenue
Pennsylvania: Total sports betting handle for April was $641.6 million, including $617.4 million from online bets, per a Tuesday Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board revenue report. Combined handle was down $70 million from $711.6 million in April 2025. Operators reported $59 million in adjusted gross revenue, and $18.2 million in promotional credits. Operators paid a total of $21.2 million in tax revenue on a 34% state tax plus a 2% local tax.
Despite handle being down against 2025, wagering revenue was up 38.6%. FanDuel (digital) and Boyd Gaming (retail) combined led all operators with $219.8 million in handle. FanDuel reported a state-leading $23.8 million in online sports betting adjusted gross revenue. FanDuel has market access in Pennsylvania through Boyd Gaming, which is partnered with the Valley Forge Casino.
