US bookie introduces transaction fee per bet

Flutter has rolled out a 50-cent transaction fee per wager for users of its Fanduel platform in Illinois, aligning with a levy introduced by the state’s legislature.

As regulatory pressure and taxation continue to climb in the United States—a scenario familiar to Australian bookmakers—Flutter CEO Peter Jackson explained that the fee reflects unavoidable realities.

“It is important to recognise that there is an optimal level for gaming tax rates that enables operators to provide the best experience for customers, maximise market growth and maximise revenue for states over time,” Jackson said.

He expressed concern that the Illinois Transaction Fee unfairly burdens casual punters while penalising companies that have made substantial investments in developing the state’s legal online betting ecosystem.

“We are disappointed that the Illinois Transaction Fee will disproportionately impact lower wagering recreational customers while also punishing those operators who have invested the most to grow the online regulated market in the state,” Jackson said.

Jackson also warned that the fee might drive some Illinois bettors toward unregulated betting services.

“These operators do not contribute tax revenue to the state, will not collect the newly announced transaction fee and do not offer the same levels of customer protection that regulated operators provide,” he said.

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