Federal Tax Gambling Winnings
Does Ohio Tax Gambling Winnings Work

November 01, 2017

Have you recently won some cash at the casino or racetrack? Congratulations! While it is very exciting, keep in mind there are tax implications and you should be prepared to pay federal, state and local income taxes on the winnings.

You can anticipate that the casino or other party that provides the payout to give or send you a Form W-2G. The information reported on this federal form includes the date you won, the reportable winnings, type of wager, federal and state taxes withheld and other details about the transaction.

Lottery and gambling winnings are taxable - no minimum. Gambling losses may not offset gambling winnings unless the taxpayer is a professional gambler per IRS regulations. NET OPERATING LOSS. May 22, 2012 State of Ohio has assessed me taxes on reported gambling winnings from Las Vegas. I have submitted documentation that I had a net loss, yet the tax is still being assessed as they claim Ohio does not allow any offset. This seems like double taxation. It was from 2003, but they filed on time as my return was filed late. Gambling winnings are fully taxable by the IRS, the State of Ohio, and four cities throughout the state. These winnings are taxed as 'ordinary income' at the same rates as other income is taxed to the taxpayer by the respective agency. In the case of state taxes, all casinos must withhold 4 percent of your winnings.

You will file a W-2G if you won money from any of the following sources (please note, the list is not exhaustive):

Horse/dog track or off track betting
Jai-alai
State-conducted lottery
Keno • Bingo
Slot machines
Poker winnings
Any other type of gambling winnings

Jun 28, 2012 The new Ohio law allows amateur gamblers in Ohio to deduct gambling losses to the extent of their gambling winnings from their Ohio income tax, thus lowering their state tax bill and creating a very advantageous tax benefit that was previously not available. Jul 30, 2019 Winnings from gambling can be taxable and should be reported on your tax return. Winnings may be reported on a W2-G. However, if you itemize deductions on the schedule A, then you may deduct gambling losses only up to the amount of the winnings claimed on your tax return.

Keep in mind, even if you win money at a charity event that is hosted by a church or other type of non-profit organization, those winnings are taxable. If you paid money to participate in the event, such as purchased cards for a game of bingo at your church, you cannot claim the funds you spent as a donation to a non-profit organization when you file your income taxes.

If you find yourself on the losing end of a game of chance, you may wonder if you can report a gambling loss on your tax return. Generally, it is not allowable, but there are exceptions. It is advisable that you consult with a tax professional if you find yourself in such a situation or have questions.

For rules, laws and other information pertaining to gaming in Indiana, visit the Indiana Gaming Commission website at http://www.in.gov/igc/.

The glittering lights and ringing bells of the casino. The dream of winning the lottery. Gambling can be a lot of fun for most people, and when your number finally comes up -- well, isn't that the whole point?

Of course, we all want to go home big winners with a wad of cash in our pockets. However, once you win, the IRS does, too. In fact, they expect and require you to report your gambling winnings. Gambling winnings (which the IRS refers to as 'income') can include:

Lotteries
Raffles
Horse/dog races
Noncash prizes -- like cars, trips or houses

What you need to report depends on how much you win, what type of gambling you were doing, and the ratio of your winnings to your wager.

Typically, you'll receive paperwork from the casino (or other source of your payout) to complete if you win a certain amount. You must provide your Social Security number and fill out IRS Form W-2G. This form is called 'Certain Gambling Winnings,' and allows you to report your winnings as income to Uncle Sam. You'll receive that paperwork if you win:

$600 or more from the state lottery, horse or dog races, jai alai or other wagering (but only if the winnings are 300 times the original wager)
$1,200 or more at a slot machine or bingo
$1,500 or more on keno (minus the amount you spent on tickets for the winning game)
$5,000 or more in poker tournaments

Federal Tax Gambling Winnings

Typically in a winner situation of $5,000 or more (no matter what the game), the payee will not only require you to fill out the above-mentioned forms, but will also take 25 percent of your winnings up front to give directly to Uncle Sam [source: Bell]. If you refuse to fill out the form or provide your Social Security number, most establishments will take 28 percent of your winnings, in accordance with federal law [source: IRS].

You don't have to fill out the W2-G form for winnings on table games, including craps, blackjack, pai gow, baccarat and roulette. However, you still have to report those winnings when you file your regular income tax in April. On form 1040, on the 'Other Income' line (line 21) you report any other winnings, like prize or award money.

Here's where things can get a little more complicated. Just as you report your winnings to the IRS, you can also report your losses. On line 28 of form 1040, 'Other Miscellaneous Deductions,' if you have any gambling losses, note them there. However, your losses can't exceed your winnings. It's also important to note that you'll only want to do this if you're already itemizing your deductions and will end up deducting more than the standard [source: IRS]

All of this information illustrates why it's crucial to keep detailed records of your gambling -- both wins and losses -- especially if you do it often . Signing up for a player's card at a casino is a great idea, because the casino keeps an electronic record for you to easily access [source: Taxpertise].

The takeaway here is that the IRS treats any gambling or contest winnings as income. You should report all of it, even if the casino or other payee doesn't hand you a tax form to fill out. State tax laws apply too so be sure to check with your state's department of revenue to determine your liability [source: Ritchie].

Sources

Does Ohio Tax Gambling Winnings Work

Bell, Kay. 'Reporting gambling winnings.' Bankrate. Feb. 3, 2014. (Sept. 22, 2014) http://www.bankrate.com/finance/money-guides/reporting-gambling-winnings.aspx
IRS. 'Gambling Winnings Are Always Taxable Income.' Aug. 19, 2014. (Sept. 22, 2014) http://www.irs.gov/uac/Gambling-Winnings-Are-Always-Taxable-Income
IRS. 'Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754.' 2014. (Sept. 22, 2014) http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw2g.pdf
Ritchie, Josh. 'How Are Gambling Winnings Taxed?' TurboTax Blog. March 30, 2012. (Sept. 22, 2014) http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/2012/03/30/how-are-gambling-winnings-taxed/
Roche, Yolanda S., E.A. and Roche, Roger C., E.A. 'The Taxman Cometh.' Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2014. (Sept. 22, 2014) http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/features/taxlaws.html
Taxpertise. 'Uncle Sam Wants His Cut on Your Gambling Winnings.' FOXBusiness. Sept. 20, 2013. (Oct. 30, 2014) http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/09/19/uncle-sam-wants-his-cut-on-your-gambling-winnings/

Federal Tax Gambling Winnings

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Does Ohio Tax Gambling Winnings Work