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💸 How Are Sports Betting Winnings Taxed? [What Every Bettor Needs to Know]

  • Writer: Kof
    Kof
  • Jun 6
  • 2 min read

Sports betting is fun… especially when you win. But once the money hits your account, there’s one question every bettor eventually asks:


How are sports betting winnings taxed?

Whether you placed a winning wager at a sportsbook, casino, or online betting app, the IRS wants a piece. Let’s break it all down so you can stay compliant, stay profitable, and avoid headaches during tax season.


📋 Are Sports Betting Winnings Taxable?

Yes. In the United States, all gambling winnings are taxable income, and that includes sports betting.

If you win money from:

  • Online sportsbooks (like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM)

  • In-person bets at casinos or sportsbooks

  • Office pools or betting contests

...you're required to report those winnings as “Other Income” on your tax return.


🧾 Do Sportsbooks Report Winnings to the IRS?

Yes — if your winnings exceed certain thresholds, sportsbooks may file a W-2G form with the IRS.

Here’s when a W-2G is typically issued:

  • If your winnings exceed $600 AND

  • The payout is at least 300x your original bet

But even if you don’t receive a W-2G form, you are still legally required to report all gambling income.


🧠 How Are Sports Betting Winnings Taxed?

Your winnings are taxed as ordinary income at your federal income tax rate, which ranges from 10% to 37% depending on your total income.

🏦 Federal Tax Example:

  • You win $1,000 on a parlay

  • Your federal tax rate is 24%

  • You may owe $240 in taxes on that win

💡 Pro Tip: Some sportsbooks withhold 24% automatically for federal taxes if the win is over the reporting threshold.


💵 What About State Taxes?

Most states also tax gambling winnings. Each state has different rules:

State

Gambling Tax?

Notes

New York

Yes

High state rate (up to 10.9%)

Nevada

No

State has no income tax

Illinois

Yes

Around 4.95%

Florida

No

No state income tax

✅ Check your state’s tax laws or talk to a tax professional if you bet often.


📉 Can You Deduct Gambling Losses?

Yes — but only if you itemize deductions.

You can deduct losses up to the amount of your winnings, but:

  • You must keep accurate records of all bets (wins & losses)

  • You cannot deduct more than you won

  • You must report all winnings even if you had net losses

🧾 Keep a betting tracker to stay organized — it could save you hundreds come tax season.


📌 Summary: How Are Sports Betting Winnings Taxed?

Topic

Quick Answer

Are winnings taxable?

✅ Yes — report to IRS

Is a W-2G required?

✅ Sometimes, based on thresholds

Federal tax rate?

💵 10%–37%

State tax applies?

🏛️ Depends on where you live

Can you deduct losses?

✅ If you itemize

💡 Final Thoughts

So, how are sports betting winnings taxed? They’re treated as income, and both the IRS and most state governments want their share.

Don’t get caught off guard. Track your bets, report your income, and stay ahead of the game — on and off the field.


🔥 Want to Win Smart AND Stay Organized?

Get access to:

  • ✅ Expert picks

  • ✅ Betting tracker templates

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how are sports betting winnings taxed?

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