DraftKings Shuts Wrigley Field Retail Sportsbook Citing 40% Illinois Tax
DKNG•DraftKings will close its two-year-old retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field on May 31 after Illinois raised sports wagering taxes to as high as 40% and Chicago added a 10.25% city levy. The venue will convert to a DraftKings sports bar while online sports betting remains operational statewide.
1. Closure and Timeline
DraftKings will discontinue in-person sports betting at its Wrigley Field retail sportsbook on May 31, two years after its March 2024 launch as Illinois’ only stadium-linked retail book. The venue will remain open as a sports bar featuring giant video screens, ample seating and a full menu.
2. Tax Burden Driving Exit
The decision follows Illinois’ increase of wagering taxes to 40% on adjusted gross revenue, a per-wager fee rising to $0.50 after 20 million annual bets, and Chicago’s new 10.25% tax on city bets. These combined levies made standalone retail operations financially unsustainable.
3. Online Strategy and Focus
DraftKings will continue its online sports betting platform across Illinois, shifting resources to higher-margin digital channels. The company emphasizes its partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis and plans to concentrate investment where tax costs are lower.
