Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his city council are at odds with the 2026 budget, but one place they appear to have found common ground is on taxing city-based sports betting revenue.
In the “alternate” budget sponsored by 27 of the Chicago City’s 50 aldermen and submitted Wednesday, it included Johnson’s proposed 10.25% tax on all sports betting revenue generated within city limits. The city is looking to plug a $1.2 billion budget gap, with various taxes and levies being considered.
If approved as part of the budget, which would take effect Jan. 1 or when passed if the two sides fail to meet that deadline, operators would face a minimum 32.25% tax on Chicago-based revenue since they also pay a 2% tax on revenue generated within Cook County, where Chicago is located.
