BetMGM debuts a $2.50 minimum wager in the Land of Lincoln beginning Wednesday, July 16, as a reaction to the state's new per-bet taxation system.
The step aligns with an industry-wide trend as operators adapt to rising regulatory expenses in one of the United States' most active sports betting markets.
Key takeways
- BetMGM set a $2.50 minimum bet in Illinois due to the new per-wager tax.
- The move comes after DraftKings and FanDuel enforced 50-cent betting surcharges on Illinois bets.
- Hard Rock Bet also introduced a $2 minimum bet in the Prairie State.
Under Illinois' new tax framework, every sportsbook is charged 25 cents per bet for the initial 20 million online wagers it takes in a year. Once it reaches that figure, the tax doubles to 50 cents per wager. The graduated system places the financial burden on sportsbooks that facilitate large numbers of micro-wagers, spurring adjustments such as BetMGM's new minimum bet threshold.
Illinois customers will no longer be allowed to wager below $2.50, based on messages the sportsbook sent to users. The operator's move is among a practical set of responses to help ensure operating margins within the new law's framework.
DraftKings and FanDuel made similar moves, adding a 50-cent surcharge to all Illinois wagers. Meanwhile, a Hard Rock Bet spokesperson told Covers the Illinois online sportsbook added a $2 minimum bet in Illinois.
Illinois AG believes iGaming legalization likely in 2026
While there are significant changes in the sports betting market, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul thinks internet casino gaming legalization is imminent and the state legislature will take it up in 2026. Addressing a National Council of Legislators from Gaming States conference, Raoul identified iGaming as the natural next step in Illinois' growing gambling market.
Although there's no expectation of a bill passing in 2025, Raoul indicated momentum behind digital gambling could bring online casino legislation forward next year.
Raoul, a nearly 15-year Illinois statehouse veteran before becoming AG in 2018, can't cast votes on measures in his present position. Nevertheless, his public endorsement indicates increasing institutional buy-in for online casino gaming as part of the overall gambling ecosystem.
Jeter partners with BetMGM as brand ambassador
BetMGM introduced Hall of Fame baseball player Derek Jeter as its latest brand ambassador, building out its list of sports legends used in promotional campaigns to soften the new minimum's blow. He'll star in BetMGM's "Legendary Plays" campaign and participate in VIP events to help engage fans on sports and casino platforms.
BetMGM Casino will launch a branded online slot game with Jeter, a first for a professional MLB player to receive an iGaming endorsement to complement the national campaign. The Jeter-themed title aims to attract baseball fans and casual casino players.
