Simplify Form W-2G filing to report certain gambling winnings. With 1099Online, get built-in TIN-matching, bulk import, recipient copy delivery, and secure eFiling in one platform.
Form W-2G is used to report certain gambling winnings from activities like horse racing, slot machines, sweepstakes, bingo, lotteries, poker tournaments, sports wagering, etc., as well as any federal tax withheld from those winnings. A copy of the form must be sent to the winner. If there are multiple winners, the payer must use Form 5754 to prepare separate Forms W-2G for each winner.
The form is filed by payers who have to pay gambling winnings to winners that meet the applicable reporting threshold. These payers can be casinos, lotteries, racetracks, or other gambling operators.
To report gambling winnings on Form W-2G, you need to keep in mind that the threshold varies based on the gambling type.
| Types of Gambling | Minimum Reporting Threshold |
|---|---|
| Bingo and Slot Machines | $2,000 or more |
| Poker Tournaments | $5,000 or more |
| Keno Games | $2,000 or more |
| Sweepstakes, Lotteries, Wagering Pools, Sports Betting, Horse/Dog Racing, Jai Alai, etc. | $600 or more and at least 300 times the wager |
| Any gambling winnings subject to federal income tax withholding | Must be reported regardless of amount |
OBBBA has introduced a new minimum reporting that will affect payments made after Dec 31, 2025 (reported in 2026 filings). The minimum threshold for reporting certain gambling winnings such as slot machines and bingo is now $2,000. This threshold will increase annually based on inflation.
You need to use Form W-2G to report certain gambling winnings to the IRS that meet the applicable reporting rules. A copy of the form should be shared to the winner for their own personal tax return.
*The original deadlines are January 31 (recipient copy) and February 28 (paper filing) but since these dates fall on a holiday, the deadline moves to the next working/business day.
1099Online is an IRS-authorized eFiling platform that offers a simple, flexible, and secure way to file Form W-2G online.
Step 1: Enter The Form Data Enter the required W-2G information such as winner’s details and type of gambling manually or import your data via CSV or Excel upload.
Step 2: Complete and Review Winner and Withholding Information Add the winner’s details, reportable winnings, wager amount, federal income tax withheld, and any other applicable state or local withholding. Review the information.
Step 3: Send Copies To Recipients (Gambling Winners) Share recipient copies to gambling winners using 1099Online’s print and mail service via USPS delivery or email them downloadable PDF copies.
Step 4: Review and Transmit Review your filing summary and submit your forms securely to the IRS.
Form W-2G's reporting threshold depends on the type of gambling. For tax year 2026, the general inflation-adjusted minimum threshold for certain Form W-2G reporting such as slots and bingo is $2,000. Poker tournaments are reportable at $5,000 or more, keno games are $2,000+. For sweepstakes, lotteries, wagering pools, sports betting, horse/dog racing, jai alai, etc., the reporting threshold is $600 or more and at least 300 times the wager.
Regular gambling withholding of 24% applies only if the net winnings minus the wager exceed $5,000 and the winnings are at least 300 times the wager.
The current penalty schedule generally includes $60 per return if correctly filed within 30 days, $130 per return if filed after 30 days but by August 1, $340 per return if filed after August 1 or not filed at all, and $680 per return for intentional disregard.
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