Gambling Losses Deductions

While most miscellaneous itemized deductions cannot be taken in 2018 through 2025, those that are not subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income floor continue to be deductible. One such deduction is for gambling losses to the extent of winnings. The IRS has ruled that amounts paid to participate in daily fantasy sports, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, are wagering (Chief Counsel Advice 202042015). These activities are not merely a matter of skill; they involve something staked on an uncertain event. This means that such amounts can be deducted by those who itemize instead of taking the standard deduction. But again, they are deductible only to the extent of winnings.

Gambling Losses You may deduct gambling losses only if you itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040 or 1040-SR) PDF and kept a record of your winnings and losses. The amount of losses you deduct can't be more than the amount of gambling income you reported on your return. Gross gambling income is reported on page one of Form 1040, while gambling losses are a miscellaneous itemized deduction (not subject to the 2%-of-adjusted-gross-income (AGI) limit). Taxpayers often believe their winnings are immune from reporting unless they receive a Form W-2G.

Gambling Loss Deduction Tax Reform

To deduct gambling losses, you must substantiate them. In one case, a compulsive gambler convinced the Tax Court that he must have sustained more losses than the winnings reported to the IRS on Form W-2G (Coleman,TC Memo 2020-146). He spent most of his retirement savings and was way behind in his bills (his cell phone was shut off). Expert testimony accepted by the court said: “if a player gambles long enough and does not win any prizes that are exceptionally large relative to the size of the wager, it would be virtually impossible for that player to have annual net gambling winnings.” The court allowed him to take an itemized deduction for gambling losses equal to his gambling winnings.

Tax On Gambling Winnings

Gambling loss deductions save you money by reducing your taxable income. But there’s a trick to this—you can’t claim gambling losses that exceed your winnings, as losses are inextricably linked to. You are able to itemize your deductions and you have gambling losses of $3,258 and winnings of $2,947. The 2 percent threshold for you will be $1,200. Because your winnings are less than your losses, only $2,947 of your losses can count toward the threshold. But then you must subtract $1,200 from $2,947 to arrive at $1,747 of deductible losses.