Will My Roulette Winnings Be Taxed?

Published on September 30th, 2017 6:15 pm EST


Paying taxes on casino profits.  Image / photo / concept.One of the most common questions that is asked - will my roulette winnings be taxed by my local government?

Let's say that you have a big night at your favourite online casino. Let's say that after playing some roulette and slots, you end up winning $2,000 on the evening.

It's a fair question to wonder if you will have to pay tax on these winnings - after all, in most cases, the government will want its cut.

The answer to this question is: it depends on where you live.

In some countries, winning in roulette, poker or even the lottery is not considered taxable income, provided that you are not doing the activity in a professional capacity. For instance, let's say that you live in Canada - a night of roulette winnings will not be taxed, though if you play poker for a living, you will be taxed on this income.

In other countries, practically every penny that you bring into your wallet is taxed. For instance, in the United States, a win in a poker tournament, even if you are an amateur player, will be taxed.

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If you recently took home a big score playing roulette or any other online casino game, you should probably seek the advice of a professional in order to determine whether or not you will have to pay tax on your winnings.

Your tax liability will depend entirely on which country you reside in. There is a good chance that you won't owe any taxes, though you should confirm with a professional first. You don't want to get a letter in the mail from your government tax agency, stating that you owe tax, plus a penalty.