ESPN Bet became the latest online sportsbook to increase its minimum bet in Illinois. This move responds directly to the state’s new per-wager tax structure.
Starting August 8, the operator raised its minimum from $0.10 to $1. It made this change quietly via updated house rules rather than a flashy announcement.
Illinois began applying a $0.25 tax on the first 20 million wagers and a $0.50 tax thereafter, from July 1. Consequently, many online sportsbooks have adjusted their strategies to mitigate new costs.
Penn Entertainment, which owns ESPN Bet, recently acknowledged the financial burden of these tax hikes.
Chief Financial Officer Felicia Hendrix told investors during last week’s earnings call that new tax obligations in Illinois, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Maryland added roughly $10 million in costs to the company’s full-year outlook.
Which Online Sportsbooks Have Raised Their Minimum Bet in Illinois So Far?
Notably, BetMGM, Hard Rock Bet, and BetRivers have also raised their minimum bets. BetRivers’ parent company, Rush Street Interactive, confirmed the change. Chief Financial Officer Kyle Sauers explained that the operator lifted its minimum to $1 but remains open to further adjustments.
He noted the company is evaluating the best approach as the NFL season approaches. Meanwhile, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics have opted for transaction fees instead of minimum bet increases.
Current Illinois operators raising minimum bets:
BetMGM – $2.50 minimum
Hard Rock Bet – $2 minimum
BetRivers (Rush Street Interactive) – $1 minimum
Circa Sports – $10 minimum, the highest so far
ESPN Bet – now $1 minimum
By comparison, DraftKings and FanDuel impose a $0.50 per-wager surcharge, and Fanatics charges $0.25.
Online Sportsbooks Keeping Minimums Unchanged
Some operators continue to allow low entry betting despite rising costs. Online sportsbooks like BetOnline, Bovada, and SportsBetting.ag still keep their minimum bets unchanged.
These sportsbooks attract players seeking flexible wagering without the burden of higher entry thresholds. Although they do not operate under Illinois regulation, they remain competitive alternatives for bettors exploring lower-cost markets.
This divergence in approaches reflects each operator’s strategy. Some prefer clear minimums. Others pass costs via visible fees. As football season nears, customers may weigh which model suits them best.
ESPN Bet joins a growing group of online sportsbooks raising minimum bets in Illinois. These adjustments follow state tax changes starting July 1. Thus, bettors should check each platform’s requirements before wagering.