ESPN BET has raised its minimum online wager in Illinois from 10 cents to $1, effective August 8, in response to the state’s new per-bet tax introduced in July.

The law requires operators to pay $0.25 per bet for the first 20 million wagers annually and $0.50 per bet beyond that threshold. This shift has pushed sportsbooks to rethink how they absorb the added cost.

BetRivers, BetMGM, Hard Rock Bet, and ESPN BET: Raised minimum wagers instead of charging per-bet fees. Analysts say the strategies could shape customer preferences. Players who dislike extra fees may lean toward operators with higher minimums, while casual bettors making small wagers could be discouraged.

Still, the change may have limited impact: according to Juice Reel, the average U.S. single wager in June was $41, with parlays averaging $19 — well above ESPN BET’s new $1 floor.

The policy shift comes just ahead of football season, the industry’s busiest time. ESPN BET, operated by PENN Entertainment, is banking on volume to offset potential pushback.

PENN CEO Jay Snowden reaffirmed during last week’s earnings call that the digital segment is on track to reach profitability by late 2025. However, questions remain about whether Illinois will also tax revenue from transaction fees, a point the state’s Gaming Board suggests it will.