Do You Pay Taxes On Casino Winnings In Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a fascinating place for gamblers, as it offers all conceivable forms of entertainment in a secure environment. The glamour and the irresistible appeal of Sin City attract people from all over the world, in addition to millions of Americans who visit every year. The latter are fully aware of the fact that casino winnings in Las Vegas are subject to state and federal taxes. Foreigners who come to town must know that they are not excepted, and a large chunk of their winnings will be subtracted.

Winnings Above $1200 Are Taxed

If you’re a casual player who only bets tiny amounts and wins just as little, you have nothing to worry about taxes. It’s not like the authorities will hunt you down and try to take every single penny, because this is not the goal of the IRS. However, “you don’t need to be a high roller to cross the $1200 threshold” according to the online casino website FruityKing — which is the amount subject to taxation. Any winnings that exceed this amount in a Las Vegas casino, will result in a 30% tax which is automatically subtracted when you cash out.

The good news about taxes in Las Vegas is that process is streamlined and you don’t have to fill out too many forms or contact the local tax authorities. Casinos do their due diligence and further simplify matters for players by automatically calculating the net winnings. This process takes place at the cashier, so by the time you leave the Las Vegas casino, you have nothing to worry about. It can be frustrating to leave a part of the money behind, but this is how things work in the gambling industry.

Lower Taxes at Online Casinos

Depending on your country of residence, you may be allowed to gamble at online casinos, local and international. In most cases, gambling operators need to apply for a license from a local authority before they are allowed to lawfully supply games to people. Even if this is not mandatory, prospective players should seek casinos that have a license, just to stay on the safe side. The regulatory body will make sure that the casino treats its players fairly and practices a reasonable house edge.

In most countries, online gambling is a major source of revenue for state coffers and that is the main reason it is allowed to exist. Licensed casinos will pay the taxes, but most of the amounts come from their profits. However, players are also expected to do their part and some of their profits are taxed if they cross a certain threshold. The amount differs from one country to the other, so it is important to carefully go over the terms and conditions.

Online casinos will also tax winnings automatically, so the corresponding amount is subtracted when you initiate the withdrawal. On one hand, this gives you no chance to circumvent the process, on the other, it simplifies the matter for you and it assures the fact that you are tax compliant.