Nevada Tax Advantage
Nevada has no state income tax, so Nevada residents only pay federal taxes on poker winnings - unlike players in California or other high-tax states.
Federal Taxes on Poker Winnings
All gambling winnings are taxable income at the federal level. This includes:
- Tournament poker winnings
- Cash game profits
- Online poker winnings
- Video poker jackpots
- Slot machine wins
When You Get Tax Forms
| Type of Win | W-2G Issued When |
|---|---|
| Poker Tournaments | Win $5,000+ AND 300x buy-in |
| Slot/Video Poker Jackpot | Win $1,200+ |
| Keno | Win $1,500+ |
| Cash Games/Online Poker | Generally no form issued |
Important
Even if you don't receive a W-2G, you're still legally required to report all gambling winnings on your federal tax return. The IRS requires reporting of all income.
Deducting Poker Losses
You can deduct gambling losses, but only if you itemize deductions:
- Losses can only offset winnings - You can't deduct more than you won
- Keep records - Track all wins and losses throughout the year
- Documentation - Save receipts, bank statements, app transaction history
- Itemize required - Must itemize deductions (not standard deduction)
Record Keeping Tips
- Screenshot your wins - The Royal shows your transaction history
- Track deposits and withdrawals - PayPal/Venmo keep records too
- Note dates and amounts - Keep a simple log or spreadsheet
- Save year-end statements - Useful for calculating net win/loss
Professional vs. Recreational
The IRS distinguishes between recreational gamblers and professional gamblers:
- Recreational players - Report winnings as "Other Income" on Schedule 1
- Professional players - Report on Schedule C, can deduct more expenses
Most players are recreational. Professional status requires poker to be your primary income source with substantial time invested.
The Royal Transaction History
The Royal provides complete transaction history in the app, including deposits, withdrawals, and game results. This makes record-keeping easy for tax purposes.
Consult a Tax Professional
This guide is for general information only. For specific tax advice, consult a qualified tax professional or CPA familiar with gambling income.

