Online sports bettors in Illinois now face a charge for each bet they place through Bet365, as the company has introduced a per-bet fee.

In the world of Illinois sports betting, a series of changes have been implemented by the state's licensed operators. Effective from July 1, all 10 operators now have a per-bet fee or minimum bet amount in response to the revised Sports Wagering Act by the Illinois General Assembly.

The per-bet fee, a mandatory tax for bets below $10, is designed to generate additional revenue for the state. According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the new fees are expected to generate approximately $36 million annually.

Hard Rock Bet, BetMGM, BetRivers, ESPN BET, and Bet365 have all adjusted their minimum bet amounts. Hard Rock Bet and BetRivers now require a $1 minimum bet, while BetMGM has a $2.50 minimum and ESPN BET maintains a $1 minimum. Bet365 has announced a $0.25 per-bet fee for Illinois online sports betting users.

FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings have implemented per-bet fees of either $0.25 or $0.50 for Illinois customers, effective from September 1. DraftKings charges either $0.25 or $0.50, depending on the bet, while FanDuel charges $0.50 per bet and Caesars Sportsbook charges $0.25.

Interestingly, PointsBet remains the only operator in Illinois that does not charge a per-bet fee or minimum amount for its online sports betting customers.

The per-bet fee will display on the bet slip and will be taken at the time the bet is placed. Bets containing multiple legs, such as parlays, are considered a single bet for tax purposes. Multiple straight bets on the same slip are considered separate and will be subjected to the per-bet fee if below $10.

If a bet is voided or cancelled, the tax fee will be refunded. Circa Sports has set a $10 minimum bet amount for Illinois sports betting customers.

These changes aim to ensure the sustainability of the sports betting industry in Illinois while generating additional revenue for the state. As always, it's essential for bettors to understand the terms and conditions of their chosen operator to make informed decisions.