In response to the recent and prior sports wagering tax increases passed by the Illinois state legislature on all mobile and online sports wagers placed with licensed operators, DraftKings Inc. announced that it will implement a 50-cent transaction fee on all mobile and online bets placed in Illinois through DraftKings Sportsbook, effective September 1, 2025.

“Illinois has been an important part of our growth, and we’re proud to have contributed meaningfully to the state through tax revenue, job creation, and a sustained investment in responsible gaming tools and resources. We are disappointed that Illinois policymakers have chosen to more than triple our tax rate over the past two years, and we are very concerned about what this will do to the legal, regulated industry. Meanwhile, Illinois continues to fuel the rapidly growing illegal industry, which pays no taxes or fees and provides none of the consumer protections that regulated operators offer,” said Jason Robins, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of DraftKings.

Lottery.com Inc., a leading technology company transforming the intersection of gaming, sports and entertainment, announced the signing of an amended Stock Purchase Agreement (SPA) for its planned acquisition of Nook Holdings Limited (Nook), a pioneering sports, health and wellness incubator based in Dubai.

The acquisition, valued at approximately $2.5 million, is an all-cash deal, underscoring Lottery.com’s strategic commitment to global growth and innovation in sports and wellness. Upon completion, the Company will control ninety percent (90%) of Nook. The deal is expected to close on or before June 30, 2025.

Ravi Bhusari, Founder of Nook, said: “This will be a defining moment for Nook. We have worked hard over the past few years to build a space that truly serves the needs of the sports and wellness community. Partnering with Sports.com, a visionary brand with global ambitions, unlocks tremendous opportunities for our members.”

Upon completion of the acquisition, the Company will operate segments of its international sports business from within the Nook premises at One JLT, transforming the space into a gateway for sports innovation, investment and integration. The site will continue to function as both a premium co-working space and a business incubator, connecting early-stage sports businesses with the broader Sports.com ecosystem.

Matthew McGahan, Chairman and CEO of Lottery.com and Sports.com, said: “Nook is not just a workspace — it’s a thriving community of sports and wellness entrepreneurs. It aligns perfectly with our vision for Sports.com as a global platform for innovation and impact. With a successful track record of generating profitable revenue and a stellar reputation, it is the ideal location to continue the global presence of the Sports.com brand. We’re excited to work closely with the businesses already operating inside Nook and help them scale faster, smarter and embrace a global mindset.”

Mark Bircham, Director of Lottery.com and Head of Acquisitions at Sports.com, said: “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the Nook team over the past six months to bring this deal to completion. The quality of the businesses operating at Nook and the energy of the ecosystem they’ve built made it absolutely worth the wait. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and begin supporting these companies with everything Sports.com has to offer — from networking and licensing to potential investment and acquisition. This is just the beginning.”