Circa Sports and ESPN Bet are introducing increased minimum wagers in Illinois as a result of the state’s push for greater tax revenue.
Circa Sports and ESPN Bet have confirmed that they are introducing increased minimum bet sizes in Illinois as a result of the state’s push for greater tax revenue from operators.
Circa will introduce a $10 minimum online wager in Illinois, marking the highest floor set by a sportsbook in the state.
The move comes as operators adjust to a new per-wager tax that took effect in July, charging $0.25 on each of the first 20 million bets taken by bookmakers annually and $0.50 on bets placed thereafter.
After thoughtful consideration, we believe the best course of action for a low-hold, high-volume sportsbook such as @CircaSports is to raise the minimum wager in Illinois. We are reluctant to compromise our best-in-class betting splits or charge our customers a per-bet fee.… pic.twitter.com/hrg5xPHufq
— Derek Stevens (@DerekJStevens) August 15, 2025
Circa’s decision reflects its customer base, which leans toward higher-limit bettors. Founder Derek Stevens recently told the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) that the company’s average wager is $50, far exceeding the national average.
Stevens presented to Missouri regulators last week as part of his company’s bid for an untethered mobile license, emphasising Circa’s positioning as a sportsbook for serious players.
Other operators in Illinois have responded to the tax with a range of strategies. DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel added transaction surcharges of $0.25 to $0.50 per wager, passing the cost directly to customers.
BetRivers, BetMGM, and Hard Rock Bet chose to raise their minimum bet levels instead.
ESPN Bet, which had previously allowed online wagers as low as $0.10, increased its minimum to $1 beginning on 8 August, according to an update to its house rules.
Illinois tax could cramp betting market
The tax overhaul represents a shift in Illinois’ regulatory landscape. Within 12 months, the state moved from a flat 15% operator tax to an estimated effective burden of more than 50%, placing operators under financial pressure.
A 10 July letter from the Illinois Gaming Board confirmed that any surcharges added to cover the new per-wager tax would themselves be treated as taxable receipts, meaning operators such as DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel could see margins tightened further.
While Circa adapts to the Illinois framework, the company this week secured one of two stand-alone mobile betting licences in Missouri, a development that industry observers described as unexpected.
Stevens’ candid presentation before regulators contrasted with the polished, data-heavy pitches made by DraftKings and FanDuel executives.
FanDuel, the largest sportsbook in the US, did not receive one of Missouri’s independent licences. However, the operator has already secured market access through a partnership with Major League Soccer’s St. Louis City SC.
Additional tethered licence applicants are scheduled to present to the MGC on 12 September, with several further licences still able to be awarded.