Flutter response to Illinois Transaction Fee

Core Viewpoint - Flutter Entertainment, a leading online sports betting and iGaming operator, is responding to the Illinois State legislature's decision to introduce a betting transaction fee for licensed operators starting July 1, 2025, which will impact the cost structure for operators in the state [1][2]. Group 1: Company Response - FanDuel, Flutter's US market-leading brand, will implement a $0.50 transaction fee on each bet placed on its platform in Illinois starting September 1, 2025, due to increased operational costs from the new Illinois Transaction Fee [2]. - The introduction of the transaction fee follows a significant increase in the betting tax rate in Illinois in 2024, which FanDuel had previously attempted to absorb without passing costs to customers [2]. Group 2: Industry Impact - Flutter's CEO, Peter Jackson, expressed concerns that the Illinois Transaction Fee will disproportionately affect lower wagering recreational customers and may drive some customers to unregulated operators, which do not contribute tax revenue or provide the same level of customer protection [4]. - The company emphasizes the importance of optimal gaming tax rates for maximizing market growth and revenue for states over time [4]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Flutter reported global revenue of $14,048 million for fiscal 2024, representing a 19% year-over-year increase, and $3,665 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 [6].