DraftKings is closing its retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field, primarily blaming increased wagering taxes in Illinois. Although the retail sportsbook will cease operations, DraftKings will continue its online services in the state. The last day for in-person betting at Wrigley Field is May 31.
In a statement, DraftKings confirmed they are halting onsite sportsbook activities at Wrigley Field after evaluating their retail presence in Illinois. The venue itself will stay open, but it will no longer cater to in-person sports betting.
Opened in March 2024, DraftKings at Wrigley Field was unique as the only retail sportsbook in Illinois linked to a sports venue. FanDuel, associated with Fairmount Park, and DraftKings, partnered with Casino Queen, dominate the state’s sportsbook market, mainly drawing revenue from online betting.
While DraftKings will transform the Wrigley location into a sports bar, local and state tax increases heavily influenced their decision to stop retail sportsbook operations. The company cited the high cost of Illinois’ tax structure as a deterrent to maintaining a standalone retail outlet.
In 2024, Illinois increased tax rates up to 40% for larger sports betting platforms, based on adjusted gross wagering revenue. An additional per-wager tax, initially set at 25 cents, rises to 50 cents after surpassing 20 million bets annually.
Another tax strike for DraftKings at Wrigley Field was Chicago’s 10.25% levy on gross sports wagering receipts, starting January. DraftKings partnered with the Cubs in 2020 and navigated through extensive approval processes to introduce sports betting at Wrigley Field.
Although the sportsbook is closing, the space will continue operating as a sports bar, with plans to integrate it into the ballpark later this season. The venue will remain open during game days and non-game days, offering a premium environment for visitors year-round. DraftKings will maintain its status as the Cubs’ official sports betting and daily fantasy partner.
Customers can place bets until May 31, with open bets redeemable at the venue through June 30, or via mail. Part of the transition includes reducing the number of employees dedicated to the retail sportsbook operation.
Despite this closure, Illinois’ sports betting industry has seen growth since Rivers Casino in Des Plaines initiated the state’s first sportsbook in March 2020. Illinois now hosts 15 sportsbooks, including a recent addition in Wind Creek Chicago Southland, a rapidly expanding casino. Once Wrigley closes, the total reduces to 14.
According to the American Gaming Association, Illinois ranked second among states with sports wagering, generating around $1.48 billion in revenue last year. Online sports betting contributed to 98% of this revenue. FanDuel led the market with over $552 million in revenue, trailed by DraftKings at $500 million. In-person betting at Wrigley Field generated $899,000 in adjusted gross receipts, representing a minute portion of DraftKings’ total Illinois revenue.
DraftKings reaffirmed its commitment to serving mobile sportsbook users, despite the shift away from in-person betting at the sports venue.
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