Gambling winnings should NOT be taxed

[Don Pedro Dinero]

I agree with the OP's proposal but I don't think the majority of politicians will pay attention. If not, don't be surprised if Australia imposes taxes on casino profits in the future.

To complete what others have said about how it is taxed in various countries, in Spain the net profits you obtain at the end of the year are added to your income tax, which discourages betting if you are in the highest bands, 37% or 45% (in some regions a little more). The people who are in these bands either don't bet, or if they are poker or sports betting professionals they have long since emigrated, or they bet under the table, so to speak, in cryptocurrency casinos.

[ethereumhunter]

That's good for your people because they don't have to pay the tax. But that can attract people to playing gambling too often and will not consider that can gives risks for them because use gambling as a hobby can makes them use much money without care. Your government must campaign about the risks of playing gambling so their people can be careful when playing gambling.

Many examples about people who becomes addicted to gambling while they use gambling as a hobby and it should gives concern to any government to their citizen. I accept if I must pay the tax for gambling winnings as long as the amount is not too big, especially for people who doesn't wins much money. The tax should be adjust from their wins amount and it's better the gambling operator withhold the taxes on our behalf so we don't have to bother to do that by ourselves.

[Makus]

In my country (Australia) ALL gambling winnings and profits are 100% tax free.

You don't have to declare it because it is considered a hobby.

In the USA and other countries gambling winnings are treated the same as income and gambling companies are required by law to withhold federal income taxes.

If I had to pay taxes I would quit gambling. The risk wouldn't be worth it.

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

Same here, where I'm from, we own the full possession of our gambling wins. I don't see any reason why taxes has to be implemented on gambling in the first place. It certain we are responsible for the wins and loses we experience in gambling so why should gambler pay task of their gambling wins, knowing fully well by the government that gambling is risky and the winning possibility is very low, as the house is always on the winning side. I can't help but think most of these government officials are just being wicked and mean to humanity. Though some person are already used to paying tax from almost all that they do, and it's no big deal for them in paying taxes from their gambling.

[famososMuertos]

In Australia, a very interesting case occurred: Joe Hachem.

The guy was a chiropractor, but when he returned to his country, Australia, they wanted to charge him taxes for having won a prize in Las Vegas, that is, if prizes from casino earnings are taxed.

If it is your main income, yes. In the case I mentioned, he managed to prove that it was not his main income and was exonerated for that prize, but since his earnings were greater than his income as a chiropractor, he had to declare himself as a professional poker player later.

So, be careful with what you say, personal cases do not always apply to everyone.

...//::;

[Eternad]

Same here, where I'm from, we own the full possession of our gambling wins. I don't see any reason why taxes has to be implemented on gambling in the first place. It certain we are responsible for the wins and loses we experience in gambling so why should gambler pay task of their gambling wins, knowing fully well by the government that gambling is risky and the winning possibility is very low, as the house is always on the winning side. I can't help but think most of these government officials are just being wicked and mean to humanity. Though some person are already used to paying tax from almost all that they do, and it's no big deal for them in paying taxes from their gambling.

Simple answer; Because you gain money.

Government charge taxes for every profit which the citizens earned or gain regardless of the source. It’s called capital gain tax which simply growing your capital. In some country like 3rd world country the implementation of this tax law is not absolute since it requires a thorough tax audit in able to monitor all citizens.

But this is possible and happening country like US. You are using all the services by the government which is paid by taxes. Even the road, police and other public services is run by the tax so they have the right to charge a tax on your gain whether you like it or not since they need it to run the country.

[Makus]

Simple answer; Because you gain money.

Government charge taxes for every profit which the citizens earned or gain regardless of the source. It’s called capital gain tax which simply growing your capital. In some country like 3rd world country the implementation of this tax law is not absolute since it requires a thorough tax audit in able to monitor all citizens.

But this is possible and happening country like US. You are using all the services by the government which is paid by taxes. Even the road, police and other public services is run by the tax so they have the right to charge a tax on your gain whether you like it or not since they need it to run the country.

Yeah I understand the whole concept  of taxation and how they need this to regenerate capital for the economy, but paying taxes off gambling seems to sound a bit off to me considering the risk attached to wining a bet. Too much taxes definitely increases the cost of living and how about those who aren't able to meet up family needs after paying up all those taxes from their fixed earned salary? Majority  of them are just left with no choice but to migrate elsewhere where they can actually survive without necessarily paying taxes for anything they do or use.

[bangjoe]

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

I think it makes sense that casinos or other gambling platforms are taxed because they are running a business, but gambling winnings are not really an income because it is not a job.

besides most gamblers gamble secretly anyway so why would they want to file it on their tax fees.

Not the casino but the gambler's winnings, of course as a gambling company needs to pay taxes to the government and that is usually already quite mandatory for any businessman, but ii about the gambler who gets the winnings from gambling in some countries it is taxed, just like you when you get the winnings from your game or bet then the winnings are taxed by the government and will be deducted directly when you make a withdrawal.

It should be tax-free for gamblers because when they lose they get nothing, not even compensation from the government.

[Hatchy]

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

I've heard about such countries who place taxes on gambling, which I think is totally illogical as gambling isn't a job but a means of having fun. What should be takes in the whole gambling scene are the casinos, since they literally represent the whole gambling body and every user. In my country, we literally don't pay any tax for gambling. Gambling shouldn't be taxed on any country as it's a game of luck which requires skill and experience. Should we be taxed on having skills to gaming or predictions? Just like telling me that when I bet on sport I will have to pay a percentage of it to the government for winning.what of the time when I loses.

[Silberman]

In my country (Australia) ALL gambling winnings and profits are 100% tax free.

You don't have to declare it because it is considered a hobby.

In the USA and other countries gambling winnings are treated the same as income and gambling companies are required by law to withhold federal income taxes.

If I had to pay taxes I would quit gambling. The risk wouldn't be worth it.

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

On many countries those taxes are set at the state level and not the federal one, this means that even at the same country the taxes you may need to pay could be very different, however I agree with you that gambling profits should be tax-free, since we are not really talking about an income over you may have any sort of control, but tell that to governments that want to know everything about you, and in which you are even supposed to declare whatever gift you receive on the form of cash, as it is considered to be a form of income as well.

[hahay]

In my country (Australia) ALL gambling winnings and profits are 100% tax free.

You don't have to declare it because it is considered a hobby.

In the USA and other countries gambling winnings are treated the same as income and gambling companies are required by law to withhold federal income taxes.

If I had to pay taxes I would quit gambling. The risk wouldn't be worth it.

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

I think, if a certain country requires gamblers to pay taxes, then it seems like it would be more appropriate if there is a minimum profit that goes towards tax payments. That way, I think it would be fairer because of course, the tax payment would also be good for the revenue or maybe also the state treasury. So, because for example only large profits are required to pay taxes, then gamblers who bet just for fun and do not prioritize large profits, then they are not required to pay taxes. Because after all, gamblers don't always win big every day and therefore, they also won't always pay taxes every time they gamble, because they will only pay when they get a big profit and I think that would be better and maybe fair.

[Agbamoni]

I agree with you here. Local casinos and online casinos should be taxed and not the gamblers. I don't see any reason why someone will bet with a small amount of money and still get taxed from the little winning. However, the government has been the one taxing local casinos and online casinos so that is why they see it necessary to tax the gamblers whenever they gamble.

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

I've heard about such countries who place taxes on gambling, which I think is totally illogical as gambling isn't a job but a means of having fun. What should be takes in the whole gambling scene are the casinos, since they literally represent the whole gambling body and every user. In my country, we literally don't pay any tax for gambling. Gambling shouldn't be taxed on any country as it's a game of luck which requires skill and experience. Should we be taxed on having skills to gaming or predictions? Just like telling me that when I bet on sport I will have to pay a percentage of it to the government for winning.what of the time when I loses.

Whether fun or not for profit. It shouldn't be taxed, because it has to do with risk. Imagine a situation where they tax people for investing online or in a different asset no one would want to go into investment.

[topbitcoin]

In my country (Australia) ALL gambling winnings and profits are 100% tax free.

You don't have to declare it because it is considered a hobby.

In the USA and other countries gambling winnings are treated the same as income and gambling companies are required by law to withhold federal income taxes.

If I had to pay taxes I would quit gambling. The risk wouldn't be worth it.

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

On many countries those taxes are set at the state level and not the federal one, this means that even at the same country the taxes you may need to pay could be very different, however I agree with you that gambling profits should be tax-free, since we are not really talking about an income over you may have any sort of control, but tell that to governments that want to know everything about you, and in which you are even supposed to declare whatever gift you receive on the form of cash, as it is considered to be a form of income as well.

Yes in my country we are not taxed and we are safe from gambling taxes, because gambling is illegal in our country so we access it in secret without any deep supervision and without any regulation to regulate a gambling activity, the government only prohibits it.

And indeed gamblers are not a profession that should be subject to income tax, it's too sad if gamblers who win they have to be taxed if they want to take their winnings, then when they lose they only bear it themselves, I think this has a certain purpose such as reducing the level of gamblers because it is considered that gambling is detrimental if you win and people who think about business will rule out gambling and only consider gambling as entertainment without thinking about having to earn money in gambling because the government will definitely deduct it regardless of the amount won, IMO.

It is quite difficult to convey if only one voice, it will only be considered as a waste by the owner of the regulation and maybe they don't even want to hear if a few people say it, they need a lot of time to be heard by the owners of the authority.

[coolcoinz]

I agree with the OP's proposal but I don't think the majority of politicians will pay attention. If not, don't be surprised if Australia imposes taxes on casino profits in the future.

To complete what others have said about how it is taxed in various countries, in Spain the net profits you obtain at the end of the year are added to your income tax, which discourages betting if you are in the highest bands, 37% or 45% (in some regions a little more). The people who are in these bands either don't bet, or if they are poker or sports betting professionals they have long since emigrated, or they bet under the table, so to speak, in cryptocurrency casinos.

In most EU countries it's similar and you have to add the income from gambling to your total income on that year and pay tax. The only thing that differs between countries is the rate.

I agree that it should not be taxed, because whenever you take the risk and can lose everything, it's not a job or an investment. None of these give you 100% loss, unless you get scammed, but gambling does and therefore it should not be treated the same.

On the other hand, if they're taxing lottery wins, why not tax other forms of gambling? I'm still against it, but I know where this comes from.

[o48o]

In my country (Australia) ALL gambling winnings and profits are 100% tax free.
You don't have to declare it because it is considered a hobby.
In the USA and other countries gambling winnings are treated the same as income and gambling companies are required by law to withhold federal income taxes.
If I had to pay taxes I would quit gambling. The risk wouldn't be worth it.
Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

So what happens if you win from casinos that not in australia but from overseas? Because what i am reading from your Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (the IGA). It's forbitten to use internet casinos all together and for at least most casinos to serve australian citizens.

Or are you just taking a risk and using VPN and hope that no one will close your account?

In EU, citizens can also get tax free wins from ETA area and many countries can play online with other casinos on top of that, but from them they are required to pay taxes after serious wins.

[uneng]

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

Yes. I've just seen 15% of our earnings from online bets are eaten by the government through taxes. And we have to declare all our winnings to the government yearly.

However, it gets worse when the matter is the federal lottery, as only 30% of the total sum of the lottery's money is paid to the winners. Almost 70% of the amount consists in taxes the government takes for themselves.

That is, if the amount is 100$ million, the winner is only going to receive 30,4$ million in the end. On the other hand, I must say that when the lottery announces the prize, they already announce the real prize, ignoring the portion which goes to the government's pockets.

Ganhei na Mega: quanto tenho que pagar de imposto?

[Fortify]

In my country (Australia) ALL gambling winnings and profits are 100% tax free.

You don't have to declare it because it is considered a hobby.

In the USA and other countries gambling winnings are treated the same as income and gambling companies are required by law to withhold federal income taxes.

If I had to pay taxes I would quit gambling. The risk wouldn't be worth it.

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

Taxes should definitely be taken out of the casino end and they should get taxed quite punitively really. I agree that it is very unfair to tax the winnings of gambling, as people have already paid their income tax on this money and it's basically a form of double taxation. However most of Europe are progressive and treat it similar to Australia, gambling is designed to be fun - the last thing anyone wants to do is be tallying up the amount that will be deducted from their winnings to the taxman who contributed nothing. Then again, it's a bit like the bizarre tipping culture in America as well, where if they just paid people a proper wage to start then tips would be given for exceptional work only and nobody would feel obliged to partake in the fakeness surrounding it.

[Forsyth Jones]

I agree with OP. I'm tired of discussing this, taxes on gambling is the most absurd thing you can think of, the chances are 50/50 to win or lose in a game, when you lose your bet, the government doesn't reimburse you.

The government acts like a mafia partner that forces us to include it in our profit shares, we already pay enough taxes to support the state apparatus and we don't get the expected return.

Here we have wonderful posts and answers that I learned a lot: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5489841

https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/11/30/brazil-to-impose-15-tax-on-crypto-earnings-held-on-offshore-exchanges-report/

[goaldigger]

Our tax system is not that effective as we have the policy yet they cannot fully implement it.
So even if it's subject for tax, gamblers can easily get away from it and continue their gambling. Though it can only be tax once you declared it, and on this case many gamblers will not declare this and the government will also not do anything to chase those gamblers especially those who win big.

[Huppercase]

In my country (Australia) ALL gambling winnings and profits are 100% tax free.

You don't have to declare it because it is considered a hobby.

In the USA and other countries gambling winnings are treated the same as income and gambling companies are required by law to withhold federal income taxes.

If I had to pay taxes I would quit gambling. The risk wouldn't be worth it.

Does your country tax gambling winnings and if so do you declare it yourself or does the gambling operator withhold the taxes on your behalf?

In my country, whether you gamble in a license gambling platforms or unlicensed gambling platforms, they don't tax you from your gambling money and it's a very lucrative business here, millions of dollars are been generated here monthly and despite the love of tax by my country government, they don't charge but they definitely charge the license casino and other gambling platforms to pay their taxes to the government because we can see them fighting many companies who doesn't comply with them.

I don't really know the logical reason behind why they don't tax gambling but the number of unemployment here is very rampant and youth see gambling as a form of ways to make extra cash in the bag, it will be unjust for government to still want to tax them from winning gambling because who will really compensate them for the losses? Absolutely nobody but still want to tax the days they win, that system of taxing doesn't work well with me but I don't know where there are many job opportunities.

[AmoreJaz]

As I have done quick search on countries that offer zero taxes on lottery winnings, people from these countries can enjoy their winnings without worrying about their government :
> Canada
> UK
> Australia
> Germany
> Sweden
> New Zealand
Source : 6 Countries That Offer Zero Taxes on Lottery Winnings

Our tax system is not that effective as we have the policy yet they cannot fully implement it.
So even if it's subject for tax, gamblers can easily get away from it and continue their gambling. Though it can only be tax once you declared it, and on this case many gamblers will not declare this and the government will also not do anything to chase those gamblers especially those who win big.

I believe you can evade the tax system if you are using crypto casinos or bookies, unless, your country is very strict on declaring gambling winnings. Also, licensed casinos have in their ToS about your responsibility depending on your jurisdiction. But in cases like lottery system, just like from where I residing right now, they automatically deduct 20% from your lottery winnings if it exceeds about $170. So that's quite a large cut from your winnings. But you have no choice but to comply because they will deduct it already.