Investing.com -- DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) plans to add a 50-cent transaction fee on all mobile and online sports bets placed in Illinois, starting September 1, 2025.

The company announced the new fee Tuesday in direct response to recent and previous sports wagering tax increases passed by the Illinois state legislature.

"Illinois has been an important part of our growth, and we’re proud to have contributed meaningfully to the state through tax revenue, job creation, and a sustained investment in responsible gaming tools and resources," said Jason Robins, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of DraftKings.

Robins expressed disappointment with Illinois policymakers for "more than tripling our tax rate over the past two years" and voiced concern about potential impacts on the legal, regulated sports betting industry.

He also criticized the state for fueling growth in illegal betting operations, noting that unlicensed operators "pay no taxes or fees and provides none of the consumer protections that regulated operators offer."

DraftKings stated it remains supportive of collaborative policymaking that benefits both the state and ensures long-term industry sustainability. The company committed to removing the transaction fee immediately if the tax legislation is repealed.

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