Changes on Illinois’ broad — and getting broader — gambling front produced $5.4 billion in gross revenues and $1.5 billion in tax revenues in 2023, according to a recent report.
Both numbers represent a substantial increase in the previous year’s figures of $4.8 billion in gross income and $1.4 billion in tax revenue.
The higher numbers are the result of “many distinct changes” in Illinois gambling options that are “starting to take effect,” according to the state’s Commission on Government Forecasting & Accountability.
They also help explain why Gov. J.B. Pritzker is asking legislators to more than double the tax on sports gambling, a move that would produce another $200 million.
