Okay, cogno,
I looked it up (see below).
You DO have to itemize deductions. If you don't, you cannot apply losses
against gains. Also, keeping a diary of your losses is recommended.
I am pretty sure that this info. is available from the casinos as well.
I called the Wynn recently and they could even tell me the exact minute
that I hit their progressive vp jackpot.
B. Stewart
Topic 419 - Gambling Income and Losses
The following rules only apply to casual gamblers. Gambling winnings are
fully taxable and must be reported on your tax return. You must file _Form
1040_ (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf) (PDF) and include all of
your winnings. Gambling income includes, but is not limited to, winnings from
lotteries, raffles, horse races, and casinos. It includes cash winnings and
also the fair market value of prizes such as cars and trips. For
additional information, refer to _Publication 525_
(http://www.irs.gov/publications/p525/index.html) , Taxable and Nontaxable Income.
A payer is required to issue you a _Form W-2G_
(http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw2g.pdf) (PDF) if you receive certain gambling winnings or if you
have any gambling winnings subject to Federal income tax withholding. All
gambling winnings must be reported irrespective as to whether any portion
thereof is subject to withholding. In addition, you may be required to pay an
estimated tax on your gambling winnings. For information on withholding on
gambling winnings, refer to _Publication 505_
(http://www.irs.gov/publications/p505/index.html) , Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax.
You may deduct gambling losses only if you itemize deductions. Claim your
gambling losses as a miscellaneous deduction on _Form 1040, Schedule A_
(http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sab.pdf) (PDF). However, the amount of
losses you deduct may not be more than the amount of gambling income you
have reported on your return. It is important to keep an accurate diary or
similar record of your gambling winnings and losses. To deduct your losses,
you must be able to provide receipts, tickets, statements or other records
that show the amount of both your winnings and losses. Refer to _Publication
529_ (http://www.irs.gov/publications/p529/index.html) , Miscellaneous
Deductions, for more information.
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