DraftKings to Close Retail Sportsbook at Wrigley Field Due to Tax Increases

DraftKings, a prominent sportsbook in Illinois, is closing its retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field. This decision stems from increased wagering taxes in the state. The site, though notable, forms a small segment of DraftKings’ operations. While the in-person sportsbook will cease on May 31, the company will maintain its online presence throughout Illinois.

According to DraftKings, the location will remain open but will no longer offer in-person sports betting services. Established in March 2024, DraftKings at Wrigley Field was the only retail sportsbook linked directly to a sports venue in Illinois. The company’s operations will continue as a sports bar at the existing Wrigley Field site.

DraftKings and FanDuel, which partners with Fairmount Park near St. Louis and the Casino Queen in East St. Louis, lead the state’s sportsbooks in revenue, largely from online bets. Growing fiscal pressures from city and state taxes influenced DraftKings’ decision to halt retail operations at this specific venue.

In 2024, Illinois escalated its tax, climbing up to 40% for significant sports betting platforms based on adjusted gross wagering revenue. Furthermore, a new 25-cent per wager tax was introduced, doubling after a sportsbook processes over 20 million bets in a year. Chicago added to the tax burden by introducing a 10.25% tax on gross sports wagering receipts from local retail and online sports betting.

The Cubs formalized a partnership with DraftKings in 2020, navigating regulatory requirements to offer sports betting at Wrigley Field. Although the sportsbook will close, DraftKings plans to operate the space as a sports bar, retaining its branding and amenities such as video screens, seating, and a diverse menu.

Jennifer Martinez, a Cubs representative, confirmed that the space will be accessible year-round, ensuring a continual sports bar experience. Plans are in place to integrate this area more directly with the ballpark later this year. Despite the shutdown, DraftKings will keep serving as the Cubs’ official sports betting and daily fantasy partner. Open bets at the Wrigley location are redeemable in-store until June 30 and by mail thereafter.

The closure will result in a few layoffs concerning the sportsbook operation. Despite Wrigley Field’s closure, Illinois sports betting has expanded. The state currently hosts 15 sportsbooks, a figure poised to decrease to 14 following the shutdown. Illinois’ betting industry has ranked second in the U.S., generating $1.48 billion, with online wagers accounting for 98% of that total revenue. FanDuel topped the 2025 charts, reporting over $552 million, followed by DraftKings with $500 million. At Wrigley Field, in-person bets logged $899,000, a small percentage of the company’s revenue in the state.