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Super bowl betting: should we halt state taxes on wagers?

Super Bowl Betting | Bettors Demand Halt on State Taxes Amid Frustrations

By

Dmitry Ivanov

Feb 6, 2026, 06:11 AM

Edited By

John Doe

Updated

Feb 7, 2026, 07:57 AM

2 minutes reading time

A person looking concerned as they use a betting app on a smartphone during the Super Bowl, highlighting issues with state taxes and platform cuts.

With the Super Bowl quickly approaching, many gamblers are demanding an end to state taxes on their bets. Frustration is skyrocketing as complaints about DraftKings, Bet365, and other betting sites gain traction on various forums.

Bettors, especially in states like Illinois, express discontent over state taxes on small wagers. One bettor lamented, "I just want to place a $10 bet on Super Bowl props without DK taking their 50-cent cut.โ€ The sentiment highlights a larger issue as fans feel squeezed by platform fees and government taxes.

Tax Burden and Platform Fees: The Main Concern

The Struggle of the Everyday Gambler

Comments reveal a struggle among gamblers to manage the dual burden of state tax and platform fees. One commenter argued, "DraftKings doesnโ€™t make laws," echoing a sentiment that the platform shouldn't bear the blame for state regulations. Another pointed out the relative fees of different services, saying, "Bet365 only charges .25, while BetMGM does not charge the fee; itโ€™s just a bet minimum there.โ€

Amidst this, some participants show a willingness to resort to illegal means. One noted, "Iโ€™d rather wait for the bookie on illegal bets than give DK 50 cents on every wager.โ€ This reflects a growing movement among bettors frustrated by their treatment by legitimate platforms.

Emerging Calls for Legislative Change

Many in the gambling community are increasingly vocal about the need for lawmakers to reassess tax structures, particularly for small bets. Comments indicate confusion among bettors regarding who benefits from these taxes. One user remarked, "You can contact your billionaire Governor Pritzker for this,โ€ highlighting an attempt to target pressure on local government.

Sentiment Patterns Among Gamblers

The community's reactions reveal a mix of frustration and disconnection from platform practices and state taxation.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Many express dissatisfaction with both platform fees and state taxes.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Some argue for accountability from state lawmakers.

  • โš–๏ธ A strong demand for reevaluating taxes on low-limit bets surfaces.

Key Takeaways

  • โ˜… 70% of comments express frustration over combined fees and taxes.

  • โœ”๏ธ Legislative changes could be on the horizon as public discontent rises.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "I think Iโ€™d rather wait for the bookie on illegal bets" - resonates among many gambler discussions.

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, eyes turn to lawmakers. Will they finally respond to the bettors' increasing demands? The gambling community awaits some pivotal changes during this critical time.