
New Tax Rules Leave Gamblers in a Bind
A recent tax code change under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has caused a stir among gambling enthusiasts across the United States. The bill introduces a limitation that permits gamblers to deduct only 90% of their losses when offsetting winnings, down from the previous full deductibility. This amendment presents a stark penalty, especially impacting professional gamblers and casual players who engage frequently in betting.
Understanding the Financial Impact
Prior to this change, players like Daniel Negreanu, renowned in the poker world, would utilize their losses to balance out taxable income effectively. In 2025, Negreanu's earnings at the World Series of Poker totaled $1,478,240 against buy-ins of $1,297,143, resulting in significant income that would typically be taxed. Under earlier rules, his tax liability would have left him with a substantial take-home amount. Now, with the new rules, Negreanu's take-home pay drastically reduces, exemplifying the financial strain this policy places on high-stakes players who already work on slim profit margins.
Legislative Insights Into Tax Gains
The OBBBA is estimated to yield $1.1 billion in tax revenues over eight years, as per the Joint Committee on Taxation's forecasts. However, there are warnings against the potential repercussions of this legislation. By effectively penalizing legal gambling practices, it may incentivize some professional players to seek gambling opportunities outside legal markets, including illicit platforms. Should this occur, there could be a reverse effect, diminishing the projected tax revenue altogether while also pushing more gambling underground.
The Wider Implications for Gamblers and Taxpayers
As lawmakers encourage gambling as a viable source of income for states, contrastingly, policies like the OBBBA risk erasing those gains by discouraging players to participate in the legal gambling ecosystem. Furthermore, this could pose a challenge for tax authorities, who may face reduced compliance as gamblers opt for unregulated avenues. The significance of this change cannot be underestimated, as it directly affects not just individual fortunes but also broader economic stability and tax revenue levels.
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