The Illinois Gaming Board reported $1.07 billion in traditional sports betting handle for February, the sixth consecutive month it cleared the $1 billion benchmark.
Handle was up 22.3% compared to the previous February, an increase of $195.2 million, as Illinois was $10.5 million shy of overtaking New Jersey for second place among states that have reported figures. The $83.5 million in adjusted gross sports betting revenue increased by nearly the same percentage from 12 months prior — 22.1% — as the 7.8% hold was practically flat year-over-year.
The state collected more than $12.5 million in tax receipts, lifting its two-month total for 2024 to $32.8 million. Cook County, which is home to Chicago and has a 2% levy on revenue generated within its limits, saw an inflow of $921,855 into its coffers for the month.
The $218.8 million in taxable revenue for the first two months of the year is up 33% compared to the same period in 2023. Had Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed 35% tax rate been in place starting at the beginning of the calendar year, the state would have received an additional $43.8 million worth of receipts.