Illinois sports betting taxes 5th highest in nation, highest in MidwestSports betting in Illinois comes with the fifth-highest taxes in the nation. Illinois is one of the most expensive places in the nation to bet on sports. Illinois ranks fifth in the U.S. for highest sports betting taxes and leads the Midwest. People should be free to place a bet, but state government shouldn’t be hoping they lose so it can spend more. If Springfield wants a competitive, healthy betting market that funds public services without punishing residents, lawmakers should roll back the per-bet fee and keep Illinois’ market attractive to players.