Illinois Bettors Must Now Wager at Least $2.50 on BetMGM

BetMGM is making changes in Illinois starting July 16, and it is not just about taxes. The operator has introduced a new $2.50 minimum wager for all bets placed in the state. The move follows a shift in how Illinois taxes online sportsbooks, and others like DraftKings and FanDuel are adjusting their pricing too.

As Illinois tightens the rules, sportsbooks are figuring out how to keep things sustainable without making a complete mess of the customer experience. BetMGM is one of several operators trying to find that middle ground.

Good to know

• BetMGM has set a $2.50 minimum bet in Illinois to cope with new per-wager taxes.
• DraftKings and FanDuel added a 50-cent fee per wager for Illinois bettors.
• Hard Rock Bet now enforces a $2 minimum bet across its Illinois sportsbook.

Illinois’ new betting tax policy charges sportsbooks 25 cents per online wager until they hit 20 million bets. After that, the tax rises to 50 cents per wager. It is not hard to see why operators are now rethinking how they price and structure small bets. Low-stake, high-volume betting models take the biggest hit under this rule.

To avoid bleeding profits on those tiny bets, BetMGM rolled out a flat $2.50 minimum and notified users directly. Instead of spreading the tax across every player or game, it puts a clear floor in place. FanDuel and DraftKings chose to apply a 50-cent fee on every Illinois bet, while Hard Rock Bet opted for a $2 minimum bet.

BetMGM is also keeping the mood light by mixing in a familiar face—Derek Jeter. The former Yankees captain has signed on as a brand ambassador. His role ties into a larger push from BetMGM to blend sports icons with iGaming promotions.

Jeter will appear in the “Legendary Plays” campaign and join select VIP events tied to the brand. BetMGM also plans to launch a Derek Jeter-themed slot game on its casino platform. It marks the first time a Major League Baseball star will have his name on a branded iGaming product.

While the minimum wager announcement might feel like bad news to smaller bettors, BetMGM is clearly hoping a little star power will smooth things over. Jeter’s new slot game is meant to pull in baseball fans and casino regulars alike.