Illinois sportsbooks experienced another downturn in May, with total sports betting handle reaching $1.14 billion, a 10.2% decline compared to May 2025. The decrease represents the largest year-over-year drop recorded in the state so far in 2026 and highlights a broader slowdown that has emerged throughout the year.
May marked the fourth month in 2026 in which Illinois reported a year-over-year handle decrease. While wagering activity remained above the $1 billion mark, the latest figures suggest that bettors are placing fewer wagers than they did during the same period last year. Illinois remains one of the largest sports betting markets in the United States, but growth has become more difficult to sustain as the market matures.
One of the most notable figures from the May report was the sharp drop in the number of bets placed. Illinois bettors made 21% fewer wagers than they did in May 2025. Although that decline was substantial, it represented a slight improvement from April, when wagering volume was down 25% year over year.
The month still benefited from a busy sports calendar that included the NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs, and Major League Baseball. Those events traditionally generate strong betting interest, helping the state maintain a handle above the billion-dollar threshold. Even so, the available data suggests that overall customer activity has cooled compared to previous years.
Market analysts often view shrinking wager counts as an indication of changing betting habits. While bettors may still be staking significant amounts of money, fewer total bets can contribute to lower handle figures and slower overall market growth.
Despite the decline in wagers and handle, sportsbook revenue held up relatively well. Illinois operators reported adjusted revenue of $118.9 million in May, only 1.7% lower than the same month last year. A statewide hold rate of 10.4% helped offset much of the decrease in betting activity.
Sportsbooks have also maintained a strong revenue baseline in recent months. Illinois operators have not reported monthly revenue below $100 million since July 2025, demonstrating that profitability has remained fairly stable despite fluctuations in betting volume.
Tax collections reflected that strength. Sports betting generated $52.5 million in state tax revenue during May, while the state’s per-wager tax produced an additional $10.4 million. Cook County also collected $1.3 million from sports betting activity in the Chicago area.
DraftKings remained the market leader by handle, generating $416.2 million in wagers during May. FanDuel, however, produced the highest adjusted revenue, generating $44.5 million from a $306.2 million handle thanks to a 14.5% hold rate.
Fanatics Sportsbook continued to strengthen its position with a $110.1 million handle and $9.7 million in adjusted revenue. BetMGM, bet365, and BetRivers rounded out the next tier of operators, with each maintaining a meaningful share of the Illinois market.
The performance gap between handle leaders and revenue leaders highlights an important dynamic within sports betting. Higher wagering volume does not always translate directly into stronger revenue results, as sportsbook hold rates can significantly influence monthly earnings.
Although the latest figures point to slowing activity, Illinois continues to be a significant force in regulated sports betting. The state has now recorded nine consecutive months with more than $1 billion in wagers, underscoring the scale of its betting market.
The challenge moving forward will be whether operators can reverse the recent decline in betting volume. For now, Illinois sportsbooks continue to generate substantial revenue, but a prolonged decrease in wagers could become a trend worth monitoring throughout the remainder of 2026.
