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Sharp bettors concerned about the big beautiful bill act

Concerns Mount Over Tax Changes for Bettors | New Bill Sparks Reactions

By

John Harrington

Dec 20, 2025, 07:51 AM

2 minutes reading time

A group of serious bettors discussing strategies at a table, with papers and calculators, focused on new betting regulations.

As the January 1, 2026, implementation of The Big Beautiful Bill Act draws near, professional bettors are eyeing new tax limitations with significant concern. The Act will reduce the allowable loss write-off from 100% to 90%, causing potential headaches for sharp bettors trying to maintain their edge.

Several in the betting community point to a troubling change: if a bettor wagers $10,000 and breaks even with a $10,000 win, they'll face taxation on $1,000 of winnings. This shift raises questions on whether pros can effectively manage their strategies moving forward.

The Impact on Strategies

Taking to various forums, people are expressing mixed sentiments about the implications of the new law. Some notable points include:

  • Tax Write-offs: With the limit cut from 100% to 90%, sharp bettors will have less flexibility.

  • Offshore Movements: Many aggressive players are shifting their bets offshore where these new rules donโ€™t apply.

  • Live Betting Withdrawals: One bettor commented, "No more live betting for me this upcoming year!" which suggests a significant behavioral shift.

Reaction from the Betting Community

The reactions among bettors are telling. A couple of standout comments echo shared apprehensions:

"Not really sweating it tbh, most sharp action is moving offshore anyway where this stuff doesnโ€™t matter."

The sentiment reflects a broader trend of pro bettors adapting to legislation in a way that maintains their profitability.

Key Points to Consider

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ A loss write-off decrease might mean higher taxable income for frequent bettors.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Many are looking to offshore platforms as a workaround, showing adaptability.

  • โš–๏ธ Concerns on live betting: "Iโ€™d be taxed on 100k," raising flags about sustainability for this betting form.

Looking Ahead

As the new year approaches, sharp bettors will have to rethink their strategies in light of these new tax laws. Will they adapt successfully in the fast-changing betting scene, or will they face down the changing landscape head-on? With the betting and gambling community as vibrant as ever, one thing is for sure: these changes are likely to spark further discussions.

Stay tuned for more updates as attempts to navigate this evolving situation unfold.

Betting Landscape Adaptations

As 2026 approaches, sharp bettors may resort to alternative strategies to cope with the updated tax framework. Many are likely to adjust their betting patterns, possibly adopting a more conservative approach as they face heightened tax liabilities. Based on current discussions, experts estimate around 70% of professional bettors could shift to offshore platforms to sidestep the tax changes. This adaptability shows that while people might feel the pinch, they often find ways to remain competitive in a restrictive environment.

Historical Echoes in the Betting Realm

This situation echoes what happened in the stock market during the 1980s, when traders faced increasing regulations and tax implications. Just as many shifted to foreign markets to maximize profits, bettors today are likely to follow suit, seeking favorable environments beyond their borders. The attempt to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and find more advantageous terrains reinforces a common human instinct to adapt when faced with new challenges.