Core Viewpoint - DraftKings Inc. will implement a 50-cent transaction fee on all mobile and online bets placed in Illinois starting September 1, 2025, in response to recent tax increases on sports wagering by the Illinois state legislature [1][2]. Company Overview - DraftKings Inc. is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company founded in 2012, headquartered in Boston, and operates as the only U.S.-based vertically integrated sports betting operator [3]. - The company offers a range of products including daily fantasy sports, regulated gaming, and digital media, and is operational in 28 states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario, Canada [3]. - DraftKings is committed to responsible gaming and has partnerships with major sports leagues such as the NFL, NHL, PGA TOUR, WNBA, UFC, NBA, and MLB [3]. Industry Context - The Illinois state legislature has more than tripled the tax rate on sports wagering over the past two years, raising concerns about the impact on the legal, regulated industry and potentially fueling the illegal gaming market [2]. - DraftKings emphasizes the importance of collaborative policymaking to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sports betting industry in Illinois [2].