Gambling as a Business and Taxes

Players from all countries can PLAY!

Some players are actually handling their casino gambling as a business because believe it or not, those winnings you eventually managed to get at your casino are taxable. Using a player's club card is a perfect start when playing any casino game, and likewise because any loses chances are you'll accumulate over the process a calendar year can be utilized to offset any big wins you may have.

There are several inequities within the way winnings are taxed at casinos, but you can not fight the IRS on them (well, you can, but you could not be capable of win). All in all, it's better to be prepared and live with a tax form than to be surprised and frustrated by a large win and feature no strategy to knock that win right down to bite size.

Gambling Winnings

First off, all gambling wins are taxable! Section 61(a) of the U.S... Tax Code defines gross income as "all income from whatever source derived." That incorporates gambling. If you wish to avoid paying taxes for your winnings, keep a log or personal ledger of your gambling with date, location, and your win or loss for every session.

It doesn't matter where the wins come from, the IRS wants its cut. Consider it juice. In case your losses are larger than your wins, you do not have to pay - but you must substantiate your loses, so keep that log, and keep losing tickets (dog and horse race, sporting events, even Keno tickets). After the beginning of the year you'll be able to head for your player's club desk and ask for a win/loss statement. They'll print you a replica of your total action in that casino, and you may also use that in your taxes.

Unfortunately, you can not just deduct your loses and enter what's left of your win, that will be too easy. Instead, you report the whole amount as miscellaneous income on-line 21 (Form 1040). Then you take your total losses (as much as what you won) and report them online 28 of Schedule "A" for itemized deductions. For those who don't itemize, you aren't getting a write-off.

Claiming Gambling as a Business

Until the 1980's, the IRS didn't wish to simply accept that some gamblers actually win money frequently. Now certain players may be able to deduct their expenses (transportation costs, meals, and lodging, tournament fees, etc.), but just who's eligible is somewhat murky.

If you might be keeping a professional-style log along with your wins, losses, and expenses, and also you devote a great deal of a while to gambling (sure, that's numerous regular players too) and you rely on your gambling winnings as an actual and meaningful source of income, you may also indeed be a qualified and be capable to claim your gambling as such.

When you do that you utilize Schedule "C" and will deduct your enterprise expenses. The IRS will make the general call on exactly how much it's a must to earn to be considered a meaningful source of income. Better of luck to you. Fortunately there are lots of professional poker players these days, and the IRS is being used to the concept that they honestly do play poker for a living.

The Dreaded W2G Form

There is rarely such a lot squawking after a player hits a jackpot as once they are informed the IRS will find out about their hit and that a W2G form is critical. The casino will produce the tax form with the assistance of your current ID and a replica of your Social Security card. They are going to will let you sign a W-9 form that provides them your Social Security number without presentation of your card, however the IRS goes to get a replica of that too.

The ruling for the W2G is: any slot win over $1199 is taxable, and any Keno payoff over $1499 is taxable. Within the table games department (Lucky Ladies or Pai Gow Bonus, Let-it-Ride straight flush or royal, etc.) that meets two requirements is taxable. The payoff odds must be no less than 300 to at least one and the payout have to be no less than $600. If both requirements are met - here comes the W2G. You won't be paid without your Social Security number!

The 1099 Form

Wins of any type in other departments are inclined to involve a 1099 form, even for small amounts. It will involve any drawing or player gifts which can be given out. In case you have your name drawn and win a cash prize of $500, you're going to get a 1099. When you win a $2,000 big screen TV, expect the same.

Poker players during the last few years have got used to receiving a 1099 form with their prize money, whatever the amount won. In fact, tournament winners in other table games similar to blackjack and craps have also seen a rise within the handing-out of 1099 forms. These forms alert the IRS that you've got received cash or other consideration from the casino. Yes, you need to claim these for your tax form on the end of the year.

Regardless of whether you'll be able to claim your gambling as a business or show a make the most of your play, it is a good idea to maintain track of all of your wins and loses. If noting else, you should have a good suggestion how much your casino entertainment is costing you by the top of the year. By keeping accurate records you may also find that certain games are more friendly to you, and you will then need to make an adjustment on your play schedule!

Read More... [Source: About.com Casino Gambling: What's Hot Now]