Taxable Gambling Activities
- Poker tournaments
- Bingo, slot machines, and keno
- Horse racing, jai alai, and dog racing
- Sweepstakes, wagering pools, and lotteries
When Is It Required?
Most gambling payouts are reported to the IRS, though requirements vary based on the type of gambling, the wager details, and the amount won. Payers must file W-2G for gambling winnings that meet any of the following criteria:[1]
- Slot machine or bingo winnings in excess of $1,200
- Keno winnings of $1,500 or more minus the wager
- Poker tournament winnings of $5,000 or more minus the wager or buy-in
- Winnings of $600 or more, minus the wager, amounting to at least 300 times the amount of the wager
- Any winnings subject to federal income tax withholding
Winnings paid to foreign entities and non-U.S. citizens are not reportable on W-2 G.[2]
Multiple Winners
If a group of people are sharing the winnings or the person receiving the payout is not the winner, the recipient(s) must fill out Form 5754 and provide it to the payer.
Reporting Winnings On Tax Returns
Recipients of gambling winnings must report this income on their tax returns even if they don’t receive a W-2G. Gamblers should keep accurate records along with statements, receipts, and tickets to track deductible losses.[3]
Tax Withholding On Gambling Winnings
Most gambling winnings are subject to regular or backup withholding at a rate of 24%. See the IRS instructions for detailed withholding requirements.
- Regular withholding: required for winnings in excess of $5,000, minus the wager, for sweepstakes, lotteries, and wagering pools. Also required for wagering transactions where the winnings exceed 300 times the amount wagered.
- Backup withholding: required for winnings of at least $600 that are at least 300 times the wager where regular withholding was not applied and the winner did not provide a correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
How to Complete
Form W-2G is a one-page document with copies for various recipients. It collects information about the payer, the winner, and the transaction details. The winner must sign the form and return it to the payer, who will then provide copies.[4]
Specific instructions apply depending on the type of gambling concerned. For guidance, see the IRS instructions:
- Horse Racing, Dog Racing, Jai Alai, and Other Wagering Transactions
- Sweepstakes, Wagering Pools, and Lotteries
- Bingo, Keno, and Slot Machines
- Poker Tournaments
How to Submit
If filing ten or more information returns for the tax year, payers must submit the forms online. The deadline for filing electronically is March 31, 2026. If filing by mail, the deadline is March 1, 2026.[5] Order official copies from the IRS to file by mail.
- Collect a W-9 from the winner
- Send Form 1096 and Copy A to the relevant IRS address if filing by mail
- File Copy 1 with the state tax department if required
- Send Copies B, C, and 2 to recipients
- Retain Copy D for your records
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a W-2G the same as a 1099-G?
No. Form 1099-G is a different IRS tax document used to report certain government payments.
Do casinos report gambling winnings to the IRS?
Casinos and gaming facilities report all eligible transactions to the IRS. But whether or not the payer documents the transaction, the recipient must report the income on their tax returns.
How do I get a copy of my W-2G form?
If you received gambling winnings but were not issued a W-2G, it may be because the payer was not required to report the transaction based on the amount or other details. Contact the payer to inquire.