How Are Gambling Winnings Taxed?

Most people don’t think about taxes on their way to the track or casino, but what might seem like nothing more than the chance to win some extra money actually carries significant tax implications. As is often the case, federal and state governments single out casino winnings for unique taxes of their own. Failure to properly report your haul may result in penalties and headaches, so be aware of these rules to stay on the safe side:

How Much You Win Matters

Gamblers are lucky in that casino taxes are not progressive like income taxes are. That is, you will owe the same percentage to the IRS on a $100,000 jackpot as a $10,000 one. Yet, it’s important to know the thresholds that require reporting. Winnings in the following amounts must be reported:

$600 or more at a horse track (if that is 300 times your bet)
$1,200 or more at a slot machine or bingo game
$1,500 or more in keno winnings
$5,000 or more in poker tournament winnings

All of these require giving the payer your Social Security number, as well as filling out IRS Form W2-G to report the full amount won. In most cases, the casino will take 25 percent off your winnings for the IRS before even paying you.

Not all gambling winnings in the amounts above are subject to IRS Form W2-G. W2-Gs are not required for winnings from table games such as blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette, regardless of the amount. Note that this does not mean you are exempt from paying taxes or reporting the winnings. Any and all gambling winnings must be reported to the IRS. It only means that you do not have to fill out Form W2-G for these particular table-based games.

Reporting Smaller Winnings

Even if you do not win as much as the amounts above, you are still legally obligated to report. You also need to report any awards or prize money you won during the year in question. Yes, even if you only win $10, you still technically have to report it (even if the casino didn’t). Gambling income plus your job income (and any other income) equals your total income.

Fortunately, you do not necessarily have to pay taxes on all your winnings. Instead, if you itemize, you can offset taxes owed on your winnings by reporting any losses you incurred as well. You are allowed to claim as much as the total amount won that appears on Form 1040, which would eliminate your taxable gambling income. Just be sure any deductions taken this way (in combination with other itemized deductions) are higher than the standard amount. Otherwise it would make more sense not to itemize, even if it meant foregoing your gambling loss deductions.

How Are Gambling Winnings Taxed?

How Much You Win Matters

Reporting Smaller Winnings

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