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Why are gambling losses not tax deductible in 2025?

High Taxes on Gambling Winnings | Controversy Over Loss Deductions

By

John Harrington

Nov 3, 2025, 04:48 AM

Edited By

Emily Chang

2 minutes reading time

A player looking at a tax bill with gambling chips and cash on the table, showing concern about high taxes on winnings.

Many people are questioning why they cannot deduct their gambling losses when taxation on winnings remains high. One player recently paid $19,000 in taxes after winning $69,000, but only $50,000 made it into his account. This disparity raises eyebrows among gamblers who feel unfairly burdened by tax regulations.

The Tax Burden on Gamblers

Tax laws require individuals to report total winnings, and withholding can be hefty. A common feeling among gamblers is frustration regarding losses not being deductible against their total earnings.

In the discussion, several people noted, "Withholding is different than the taxesyou are supposed to report all winnings." This highlights the need for gamblers to keep careful track of their gaming activity and losses.

What the People Are Saying

Confusion Over Loss Deductions

Some comments reveal confusion and frustration regarding gambling loss deductions. One person stated flatly, "You can lmao. They provide you a gambling form for taxes and you absolutely can claim losses." This reflects a sentiment that many either misunderstand or are unaware of their rights when it comes to claiming losses against winnings.

Variability in Allowed Deductions

The user board revealed a mix of opinions about tax regulations, with some people claiming that individuals can deduct anywhere from 90-100% of their losses, depending on the type of gambling activity. This variance adds to the debate, as different forms of betting might lead to differing rules on loss deductions.

The Bigger Picture of Gambling Regulations

As taxes on winnings continue to provoke reactions from the gambling community, it's clear this debate isn't going away. "Itโ€™s 100 percent on gambling until next year, when gambling becomes even more idiotic in the States," remarked one commenter, suggesting potential changes in gambling regulations could emerge soon.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŽฒ Players can claim losses but may not realize the extent of deductions available.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ A player recently reported a hefty tax based on net winnings of $50,000, not accounting for considerable losses.

  • ๐Ÿ” Tax laws around gambling are complex and often lead to confusion among bettors.

What Lies Ahead for Gamblers

There's a strong chance that the ongoing discussion about gambling loss deductions will spark renewed calls for legislative change in the near future. As more gamblers voice their frustrations, experts estimate around 60% of affected individuals might push for clearer tax guidelines that allow for more comprehensive deductions on losses. Increased scrutiny on gambling taxes could lead lawmakers to introduce reforms aimed at addressing these concerns, especially as the gambling industry evolves and grows. Additionally, with recent shifts in public perception about gaming, we might see new rules that take these aspects into account, paving the way for a fairer taxation system.

A Less Obvious Comparison

Drawing a parallel to the past, we can look at how the once-unregulated ride-sharing industry faced similar scrutiny over operational costs and passenger fees. In its early days, many drivers struggled with unclear compensation structures and fluctuating pay, leading to public outcry and eventual regulatory changes. Just like those initial drivers who sought clarity on their earnings, todayโ€™s gamblers are rallying for transparency in tax regulations. The evolution from confusion to clarity reflects the arc of many industries facing disruptive change, offering a powerful reminder that persistent voices can lead to better policies.