DraftKings to Close Wrigley Field Sportsbook Amid Illinois Tax Pressures

DraftKings has announced it will close its retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, at the end of May, citing recent tax increases that have made the venue “difficult to justify.”

The operator said changes to Illinois’ betting tax structure have significantly impacted the viability of standalone retail sportsbook operations in the state.

Rising Tax Burden in Illinois

Under legislation introduced in June 2025, operators are required to pay US$0.25 per wager on annual handle up to $20 million, rising to $0.50 per wager above that threshold.

Both DraftKings and FanDuel responded to the changes by introducing a $0.50 transaction fee on online bets shortly after the surcharge came into effect.

Earlier reforms in 2024 also increased tax rates for major online sportsbooks and retail operators, with some reaching as high as 40%.

Wrigley Field Operations to End

In a statement provided to the Chicago Tribune, DraftKings confirmed that betting services at Wrigley Field will cease after May 31.

“While we are proud of what we have built alongside the Chicago Cubs, we are taking a more focused approach to where we invest in the state,” the company said.

It added that Illinois’ high-cost operating environment was a key factor in the decision, making continued investment in a standalone retail sportsbook increasingly difficult to sustain.

Broader Illinois Retail Market

DraftKings will continue operating the Casino Queen Sportsbook in East St. Louis.

Elsewhere in the state, FanDuel maintains a presence in Collinsville through FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing at Fairmount Park, operated by Accel Entertainment. However, FanDuel recently confirmed changes to its Par-A-Dice Sportsbook in East Peoria, which transitioned to new ownership in April and is no longer operated by the Flutter Entertainment brand.