Illinois Sports Betting Declines for Fifth Straight Month Despite Bears Playoff Boost (Chicago, IL) – Legal sports betting in Illinois continued its downward trend in January 2026, even as the Chicago Bears made a playoff run that would typically boost wagering activity, according to newly released data from the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB).
The January report shows approximately 6.5 million bets were placed statewide, marking a 20% decrease compared to January 2025 — a period when the Bears failed to reach the postseason. The drop represents the fifth consecutive monthly decline since Illinois implemented a per-wager tax on Sept. 1, 2025.
The decline extended beyond total bets placed. The IGB reported a 3% decrease in overall betting handle and a 6% drop in tax revenue generated from online sports wagering compared to the previous month.
Industry advocates argue the downturn signals a shift in consumer behavior, with bettors increasingly turning to alternatives outside Illinois’ regulated market. The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), a national trade group representing major online operators, attributed the decline to rising tax burdens and increased competition from neighboring states.
“Even the excitement of the Chicago Bears’ playoff run didn’t change the new reality that the Illinois legal betting market is pushing consumers to platforms outside the reach of Illinois regulators,” the SBA said in a statement.
Illinois lawmakers enacted the per-wager tax in July 2025, prompting sportsbooks to introduce additional fees or raise minimum bet amounts. The change followed a graduated tax structure implemented in 2024. Compounding the issue, a separate 10.25% tax on sports betting within Chicago city limits took effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The SBA is currently challenging that tax in court.
Analysts also point to the recent legalization of sports betting in Missouri as a potential factor contributing to Illinois’ declining numbers, offering residents nearby alternatives without per-bet fees.
At the same time, regulators and consumer advocates are raising concerns about the growth of illegal sports betting markets. The FBI recently warned that illegal gambling operations can expose users to fraud, extortion, and organized crime. The Illinois Attorney General joined a coalition of 50 attorneys general urging federal action against unregulated betting platforms.
Locally, the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois reported more than 10,000 complaints related to illegal online gaming sites between 2022 and mid-2025, citing issues such as withheld winnings and compromised financial data.
Unlike regulated sportsbooks, which are required to verify user identities, safeguard financial transactions, and provide responsible gaming tools, illegal operators often lack oversight and consumer protections. Licensed operators must also report suspicious activity to regulators and collaborate with sports leagues to protect the integrity of games.
The SBA maintains that sustaining a competitive legal market is key to steering consumers away from illegal platforms while preserving tax revenue for the state.
As Illinois policymakers weigh the future of sports betting regulation, January’s figures suggest that even peak sports moments may no longer guarantee growth in the state’s legal wagering market.
Illinois Sports Betting Declines for Fifth Straight Month Despite Bears Playoff Boost
