Flutter Entertainment the world’s leading online sports betting and iGaming operator, notes the recent decision by the Illinois State legislature to introduce a betting transaction fee for licensed operators on all sports wagers placed within the state from July 1, 2025 (“Illinois Transaction Fee”).

In response, from September 1, 2025, FanDuel, Flutter’s US market-leading brand, announces that it will introduce a new $0.50 transaction fee on each bet placed on its platform in Illinois.

This decision reflects the significant increase in the cost of operating in Illinois driven by the new Illinois Transaction Fee. The introduction of this fee by the state follows a substantial increase in the betting tax rate in Illinois in 2024. Following the 2024 increase, extensive efforts were made by FanDuel to absorb the cost fully without impacting customers.

Should the state reverse its decision at any point in the future, FanDuel will immediately remove the $0.50 transaction fee.

Peter Jackson, Flutter CEO, commented: “It is important to recognize that there is an optimal level for gaming tax rates that enables operators to provide the best experience for customers, maximize market growth and maximize revenue for states over time.

We are disappointed that the Illinois Transaction Fee will disproportionately impact lower wagering recreational customers while also punishing those operators who have invested the most to grow the online regulated market in the state. We also believe the introduction of the Illinois Transaction Fee will likely motivate some Illinois-based customers to bet with unregulated operators. These operators do not contribute tax revenue to the state, will not collect the newly announced transaction fee and do not offer the same levels of customer protection that regulated operators provide.”