What is a W-2G?
Form W-2G reflects reportable gambling winnings and tax withholdings.
W-2Gs will be downloadable by January 31st.
Forms are generated for individual wins and unlike a 1099 form and End of Year Statement, W2G forms are consolidated based on a 24-hour period by game type - Casino, Sports, and Poker, but do not consolidate on a full year basis. This means players who had multiple wins, exceeding the stipulated win threshold per product, will receive one for each time they did/do so.
W-2G reportable events:
- Whenever a player has $1,200 or more in gambling winnings from bingo or slot machines.
- Whenever a player has $1,500 or more in winnings (reduced by the wager) from keno.
- Whenever a player has more than $5,000 in winnings (reduced by the wager or buy-in) from a poker tournament.
- Whenever a player has $600 or more in gambling winnings (except winnings from bingo, keno, slot machines, and poker tournaments) and the pay-out is at least 300 times the amount of the wager; or
- Any other gambling winnings subject to federal income tax withholding.
For a more detailed overview please see below.
Sports & Casino table “Live or Non-Live" games (Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat – games that require skill) – threshold of winnings must be at least $600 (minus the wager) AND 300 times the bet:
- $600 and greater but less than $5000 are reportable but no tax withheld.
- $5000 and greater are reportable and withheld immediately; taxes must be withheld.
- Taxes are 24% at Federal level and taxes at state level vary by state.
- If there is withholding – automatic signature on W-2G is assumed based on acceptance of BetMGM’s Terms and Conditions.
- Free bets are not deducted from the win.
Poker – tournaments:
- >$5000 for W2Gs.
- Winnings are reduced by the wager.
Slots:
- Casino games that are treated as “Slots” are reported on any win of $1,200 or more.