How does NY sports betting tax work?

It’s now been well over a week since the official launch of New York sports betting. Since January 8, New Yorkers have been able to legally place online and mobile wagers on their favorite sports. 

If you haven’t heard the news, four sportsbooks are now legally available to sports fans and gamblers aged over 21 in the Empire State. You can find out exactly which sportsbooks are legal in NY right here.

That, of course, is the fun part, but what we’re here to do for you today is cover the legal nitty-gritty surrounding betting tax and how it works in NY. It might not be the most exciting part of your overall betting experience, but it’s definitely one of the most important parts.

Sports Promo

4.6/5

Sports Promo

4.6/5

Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Welcome Bonus

|

T&Cs apply, 21+

Go to FanDuel Sport

Claim Promo

Do I have to pay tax on sports betting winnings in NY?

If you’re total winnings from sports wagers in a year pass a certain threshold, then the IRS will be informed and you will have to pay tax on your winnings. These will need to be included in your tax return. As well as sports wagering the same rules apply for other forms of gambling, including poker tournaments, casino slots machines, bingo, lottery and daily fantasy sports.

For the purposes of this article we’ll be focussing solely on sports wagering. 

What tax do I have to pay?

In New York, you are allowed up to $600 in sports betting winnings tax-free.

Once you pass that threshold, you will have to pay both federal and state tax on your winnings from sports betting.

The federal tax rate on winnings is a flat 24%, while the New York State tax ranges from 4% - 8.82% depending on how much you’ve won.

Winnings up to $8,500 is subjected to the minimum 4%, which should cover most NY sports bettors, save for the high rollers.

Thereafter, the tax rate increases steadily. Your winnings won’t be subjected to the maximum 8.82%  tax rate until they exceed $1,077,550.

How do I have to tax my sports betting wins in New York City?

If your sports betting winnings exceed the threshold, then the IRS will be notified and a W-2G form will be sent out. If you are paid out more than the $600 threshold in one go, then it’s the sportsbook (the payor) who must fill out the form. If you accumulate more than $600 in sports betting winnings throughout, then you can expect to receive the W-2G form.

When declaring your sports betting winnings on your tax return, you can subtract your losses from sports betting over the year. You can find gambling tax calculators online or consult a professional, such as a tax accountant - we recommend doing so f you’re having any trouble.

Things are slightly different for New York residents who have gambling winnings in New Jersey. You can check out our information on holding sports betting accounts in New York and New Jersey here.

Sports Promo

4.6/5

Sports Promo

4.6/5

Bet $5 Get $150 Instantly

Welcome Bonus

|

T&Cs apply, 21+

Go to DraftKings Sport

Claim Promo