Sportsbook BetRivers responds to Illinois' latest tax demand
In the bustling world of sports betting, a notable shift has occurred in the state of Illinois. On July 1, 2025, the per-bet tax was introduced, affecting the betting habits of customers and compelling operators to adapt. One such operator, BetRivers, has raised its minimum bet to $1, a strategic move aimed at offsetting the financial impact of the new tax.
The per-bet tax charges operators at least $0.25 per wager on the first 20 million bets, increasing to $0.50 per bet afterward. This tax hike has prompted sports betting companies to find creative ways to maintain profitability without burdening their customers.
BetRivers' $1 minimum bet is a thoughtful response to the tax increase. By implementing this change, the company aims to balance the user experience with the need to offset the financial impact of the tax. This move follows a broader pattern in Illinois, where other sportsbooks have adjusted betting minimums or added surcharges to cope with the tax.
For instance, BetMGM has set a minimum bet of $2.50, while Hard Rock Bet has a minimum bet of $2.00. Meanwhile, DraftKings and FanDuel have opted for a $0.50 surcharge per bet, choosing to pass the tax cost directly to bettors.
This strategic adaptation by BetRivers is a significant market reaction to Illinois’ taxing of individual wagers. It marks a new chapter in the state's sports betting landscape, as operators manage costs and engage customers in a highly competitive market.
Michael Savio, a writer from Denver who has been covering the sports betting industry for over four years, provides accurate and easy-to-understand information on these developments. While not an employee of BetRivers, his insights offer valuable perspectives on the industry's evolving dynamics.
Under the new minimum bet requirement, BetRivers will no longer accept bets under $1 in Illinois. This change affects all bets placed in the state, reflecting a broader industry trend towards adjusting betting minimums in response to taxation.
As always, when not covering the industry, Michael Savio enjoys betting on sports himself. His writings, published on Casino.com, offer a unique blend of industry analysis and personal insights, making them a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of sports betting.
sports betting companies in Illinois have adjusted betting minimums or added surcharges to cope with the per-bet tax introduced on July 1, 2025. BetRivers' increase in minimum bet to $1 is a strategic move aimed at balancing financial impact and user experience in the highly competitive sports betting market in Illinois.
