The choice is clear: Illinois can preserve a stable, regulated marketplace by maintaining a tax structure that keeps operators and players in the legal market. Pushing players to bet more and shifting them to the black market are not desirable outcomes for anyone.

Legalized sportsbooks, and their cooperation with the NBA and law enforcement, are likely a big reason the scheme was uncovered at all.

Chicago fans are now confronting the possibility of a second tax on wagers made in city limits.

High taxes push consumers toward offshore and illegal markets. If bettors feel squeezed by bad odds, fees and disappearing perks they may return to the unregulated platforms that are not burdened by punitive regulations.

IRS Chief Guy Ficco urged those who sports bet to use reputable online big platforms, do research about where people deposit their money and be cautious.