Kane County Reporter

Senator Don DeWitte reacted to a report about the effects of Illinois tax hikes on businesses in the state, stating, "Gov Pritzker’s oppressive taxing policies are simply being passed along to Illinois residents." He made the statement in an August 3 Facebook post.

"As expected," said Donald Dewitte, State Senator 33rd District, according to Facebook. "Gov Pritzker's oppressive taxing policies are simply being passed along to Illinois residents. What did he expect?!? Illinois Democrats deliver alright…."

In his Facebook post, DeWitte shared an August 2 Facebook post from Bishop On Air, which said, "An industry insider says DraftKings' announcement of a new surcharge on winnings in high-tax states is a reaction to Illinois’ tax hikes."

Screenshot of Sen. Don DeWitte's Aug. 3 Facebook post | Senator Don DeWitte Facebook page

According to Bishop On Air, they shared a link to an article from The Center Square that points out Illinois legislators approved a sports book tax hike to as much as 40%, up from the previous flat 15% surcharge. The Center Square reported that Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont were singled out in an announcement from DraftKings.

The article quotes Play Illinois managing editor Tyler Andrews on the suspicious timing of the announcement. Andrews blamed Illinois lawmakers. "Why is this happening right now? It seems like Illinois is the tipping point in this case, and I think this is probably on the backs of Illinois lawmakers for putting a sportsbook like DraftKings in this situation. I think the effect that it is going to have is it will really anger bettors and probably cause them to go to another sportsbook if the odds are the same," said Andrews.

Illinois House Bill 4911 states: "Beginning on July 1, 2024, and for each 12-month period thereafter, for the privilege of holding a license to operate sports wagering under this act, this state shall impose a privilege tax on the master sports licensee’s adjusted gross sports wagering receipts from sports wagering over the Internet or through a mobile phone application based on the following rates: 20% of adjusted annual gross sports wagering receipts up to and including $30,000; 25% of annual adjusted gross sports wagering receipts in excess of $30,000 but not exceeding $50,000; 30% of annual adjusted gross sports wagering receipts in excess of $50,000 but not exceeding $100,000; 35% of annual adjusted gross sports wagering receipts in excess of $100,000 but not exceeding $200,000; and 40% of annual adjusted gross sports wagering receipts in excess of $200,000," according to the Illinois General Assembly’s full text of House Bill 4951.

DeWitte has represented the people of Illinois’ 33rd senate district since 2018 when he was appointed. Before that, he served as mayor of St. Charles from 2005 to 2013 and as an alderman between 1993 and 2005. He served on the Regional Transportation Authority Board between 2013 and 2018 representing Kane County according to his official senate biography.