Story perspectives

Illinois Sports Betting Plummets Amid Tax and PAC Controversy

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Illinois sports betting declined 15% after the state imposed a $0.25 per-bet tax in September last year.
American Future, a DraftKings-funded political action committee (PAC), is spending $1.2 million in the Democratic primaries to back candidates opposing further gaming taxes.
The PAC’s largest beneficiary is Emil Jones III, a state senator facing bribery charges.
American Future also backs Jaime Andrade against Democratic Socialist Miguel Alvelo-Rivera.

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Story summary

Illinois sports betting declined 15% after the state imposed a $0.25 per-bet tax in September last year.
American Future, a DraftKings-funded political action committee (PAC), is spending $1.2 million in the Democratic primaries to back candidates opposing further gaming taxes.
The PAC’s largest beneficiary is Emil Jones III, a state senator facing bribery charges.
American Future also backs Jaime Andrade against Democratic Socialist Miguel Alvelo-Rivera.