Certain Gambling Winnings

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Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754

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11:02 - 6-MAR-2008

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2008

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Instructions for Forms
W-2G and 5754
(Revised March 2008)
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless
otherwise noted.

What’s New
Poker tournaments. Rev. Proc. 2007-57 informs sponsors of
poker tournaments, including casinos, that payments of
winnings of more than $5,000 are subject to the rules for
backup withholding and information reporting under section
3402(q) and its regulations for payments made on or after
March 4, 2008.

Reminder
In addition to these specific instructions, you should also use
the 2008 General Instructions for Forms 1099, 1098, 5498, and
W-2G. Those general instructions include information about the
following topics.
• Backup withholding.
• Electronic reporting requirements.
• Penalties.
• When and where to file.
• Taxpayer identification numbers.
• Statements to recipients.
• Corrected and void returns.
• Other general topics.
You can get the general instructions from the IRS website at
www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

Specific Instructions for Form W-2G
File Form W-2G, Certain Gambling Winnings, to report
gambling winnings and any federal income tax withheld on
those winnings. The requirements for reporting and withholding
depend on the type of gambling, the amount of the gambling
winnings, and generally the ratio of the winnings to the wager.
The types of gambling are discussed in these instructions
under the following four headings.
1. Horse Racing, Dog Racing, Jai Alai, and Other Wagering
Transactions Not Discussed Later.
2. Sweepstakes, Wagering Pools, and Lotteries.
3. Bingo, Keno, and Slot Machines.
4. Poker Tournaments.

Tax-Exempt Organizations
A tax-exempt organization conducting gaming activities may be
required to withhold income tax and report on Form W-2G. See
Pub. 3079, Gaming Publication for Tax-Exempt Organizations.

Reportable Gambling Winnings
Generally, gambling winnings are reportable if the amount paid
reduced, at the option of the payer, by the wager is (a) $600 or
more and (b) at least 300 times the amount of the wager.
However, these requirements do not apply to winnings from
bingo, keno, and slot machines. Gambling winnings for these
games are reportable if:
• The winnings (reduced by the wager) are $1,500 or more
from a keno game,

• The winnings (not reduced by the wager) are $1,200 or more

from a bingo game or slot machine, or
• The winnings (reduced by the wager or buy-in) are more than
$5,000 from a poker tournament.
If you pay reportable gambling winnings, you must file Form
W-2G with the IRS and provide a statement to the winner
(Copies B and C of Form W-2G).

Withholding
There are two types of withholding on gambling winnings: (a)
regular gambling withholding at 25% (33.33% for certain
noncash payments) and (b) backup withholding at 28%. If a
payment is already subject to regular gambling withholding, it is
not subject to backup withholding.

Regular Gambling Withholding
You may be required to withhold 25% of gambling winnings for
federal income tax. This is referred to as regular gambling
withholding. Withhold at the 25% rate if the winnings are more
than $5,000 and are from:
• Sweepstakes;
• Wagering pools;
• Lotteries; and
• Other wagering transactions if the winnings are at least 300
times the amount wagered.
Do not withhold at the 25% rate on winnings from bingo,
keno, slot machines, or any other wagering transaction if the
winnings are $5,000 or less. However, see Backup Withholding
below.
Regular gambling withholding applies to the total amount of
gross proceeds (the amount of winnings less the amount
wagered), not merely to the amount in excess of $5,000.
Report the amount you withheld in box 2 of Form W-2G.
Also file Form 945, Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income
Tax, to report all your gambling withholding.
Noncash payments. A noncash payment, such as a car, must
be taken into account at its fair market value (FMV) for
purposes of reporting and withholding. If the FMV exceeds
$5,000, after deducting the price of the wager, the winnings are
subject to 25% regular gambling withholding. The tax you must
withhold is computed and paid under either of the following two
methods.
1. The winner pays the withholding tax to the payer. In this
case, the withholding is 25% of the FMV of the noncash
payment minus the amount of the wager.
2. The payer pays the withholding tax. In this case, the
withholding is 33.33% of the FMV of the noncash payment
minus the amount of the wager.
If you use method 2, enter the sum of the noncash payment
and the withholding tax in box 1 of Form W-2G and the
withholding tax paid by the payer in box 2.

Backup Withholding
You may be required to withhold 28% of gambling winnings
(including winnings from bingo, keno, slot machines, and poker
tournaments) for federal income tax. This is referred to as
backup withholding. You should backup withhold at the 28%

Cat. No. 27989I

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Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754

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The type and rule above prints on all proofs including departmental reproduction proofs. MUST be removed before printing.

rate if:
• The winner does not furnish a correct taxpayer identification
number (TIN) and
• 25% has not been withheld or the winnings are from bingo,
keno, slot machines, or poker tournaments.
Backup withholding applies to the total amount of the
winnings reduced, at the option of the payer, by the amount
wagered. This means the total amount, not just the payments in
excess of $600, $1,200, $1,500, or $5,000, is subject to backup
withholding at 28%.
Report the amount you withheld in box 2 of Form W-2G.
Also file Form 945 to report all backup withholding. You may
use Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and
Certification, to request the TIN of the recipient.
See the instructions on the following pages for each type of
gambling for detailed rules on backup withholding.

are at least $600 but not more than $5,000 and are at least 300
times the wager. Figure the 28% backup withholding on the
amount of the winnings reduced, at the option of the payer, by
the amount wagered.

Multiple Wagers
For multiple wagers sold on one ticket, such as the $12 box bet
on a Big Triple or Trifecta, the wager is considered as six $2
bets and not one $12 bet for purposes of computing the amount
to be reported or withheld. Winnings on a $12 box bet must be
reported if they are $600 or more, and federal income tax must
be withheld if the proceeds total more than $5,000 or, if the
proceeds do not exceed $5,000, if the recipient fails to provide
a TIN.

Identical Wagers
Winnings from identical wagers (for example, two $2 bets on a
particular horse to win the same race) are added together for
purposes of the reporting and withholding requirements. Also,
winnings from identical wagers that are not part of the payment
for which the Form W-2G is being prepared are added together
for purposes of withholding to determine if the total amount of
proceeds from identical wagers is more than $5,000.

Foreign Persons
Payments of gambling winnings to a nonresident alien
individual or a foreign entity are not subject to reporting or
withholding on Form W-2G. Generally, gambling winnings paid
to a foreign person are subject to 30% withholding under
sections 1441(a) and 1442(a) and are reportable on Form 1042,
Annual Withholding Tax Return for U.S. Source Income of
Foreign Persons, and Form 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U.S.
Source Income Subject to Withholding. Winnings of a
nonresident alien from blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette,
big-6 wheel, or a live dog or horse race in the United States
from legal wagers initiated outside the United States in a
parimutuel pool are not subject to withholding or reporting. See
Pub. 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and
Foreign Entities.

Box 1
Enter payments of $600 or more if the payment is at least 300
times the amount of the wager.

Box 2
Enter any federal income tax withheld, whether 25% regular
gambling withholding or 28% backup withholding.

Box 3
Enter the type of wager if other than a regular race bet, for
example, Daily Double or Big Triple.

State Tax Information

Box 4

If state income tax withholding is required on gambling winnings
in your state, you may want to complete boxes 13 and 14 on
Form W-2G. Copy 1 of the form may be used to provide
information to the state, and Copy 2 may be used as the
winner’s copy for use in filing a state income tax return. A state
identification number is assigned by each individual state.

Enter the date of the winning event. This is not the date the
money was paid if it was paid after the date of the race (or
game).

Box 5
Not applicable.

Form 5754

Box 6

If the person receiving the winnings is not the actual winner, or
is a member of a group of winners, see Specific Instructions for
Form 5754 on page 4.

Enter the race (or game) applicable to the winning ticket.

Statements to Winners

Enter the amount of additional winnings from identical wagers.

If you are required to file Form W-2G, you must also provide a
statement to the winner. For information about the requirement
to furnish a statement to the winner, see part M in the 2008
General Instructions for Forms 1099, 1098, 5498, and W-2G.
You may furnish Copies B and C of Form W-2G.

Enter the cashier and/or window number making the winning
payment.

Box 7
Box 8 or 10

Box 9
This is required information. Enter the TIN of the person
receiving the winnings. For an individual this will be their social
security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification
number. If the winner fails to give you a TIN, backup
withholding applies. See Withholding on this page.

1. Horse Racing, Dog Racing, Jai Alai, and Other
Wagering Transactions Not Discussed Later
File Form W-2G for every person to whom you pay $600 or
more in gambling winnings if such winnings are at least 300
times the amount of the wager. If the person presenting the
ticket for payment is the sole owner of the ticket, complete Form
W-2G showing the name, address, and TIN of the winner. If
regular gambling withholding is required, the winner must sign
Form W-2G, under penalties of perjury, stating that he or she is
the sole owner and that the information listed on the form is
correct.

Boxes 11 and 12
As verification of the name, address, and SSN of the person
receiving the winnings, enter the identification numbers from
two forms of identification. The identification may be from a
driver’s license, social security card, or voter registration. Enter
the number and the state or jurisdiction. In some instances, the
number may be the same number as in box 9.

Withholding

Box 13 (optional)

You must withhold federal income tax, at the rate of 25%
(regular gambling withholding), from the amount of winnings
less the amount wagered. Do this if the winnings less the wager
exceed $5,000 and if the winnings are at least 300 times the
amount of the wager.
If the winner of reportable gambling winnings does not
provide a TIN, you must backup withhold at the rate of 28% on
any such winnings that are not subject to 25% regular gambling
withholding. That is, backup withholding applies if the winnings

Enter the abbreviated name of the state and your state
identification number.

Box 14 (optional)
Enter the amount of state income tax withheld.

2. Sweepstakes, Wagering Pools, and Lotteries
File Form W-2G for each person to whom you pay $600 or
more in gambling winnings from a sweepstakes, wagering pool,

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Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754

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The type and rule above prints on all proofs including departmental reproduction proofs. MUST be removed before printing.

or lottery (including a state-conducted lottery) if the winnings
are at least 300 times the amount of the wager. The wager
must be subtracted from the total winnings to determine
whether withholding is required and, at the option of the payer,
to determine whether reporting is required. The wager must be
subtracted at the time of the first payment.
The requirements in this section apply to church raffles,
charity drawings, etc. In the case of one wager for multiple raffle
tickets, such as five for $1, the wager is considered as $.20 for
each ticket.

security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification
number. If the winner fails to give you a TIN, backup
withholding applies. See Withholding above.

Boxes 11 and 12
For other than state lotteries, as verification of the name,
address, and SSN of the person receiving the winnings, enter
the identification numbers from two forms of identification. The
identification may be from a driver’s license, social security
card, or voter registration. Enter the number and the state or
jurisdiction. In some instances, the number may be the same
number as in box 9.

Withholding
You must withhold federal income tax, at the rate of 25%
(regular gambling withholding), from the amount of winnings
less the amount wagered if the winnings less the wager exceed
$5,000. If the winner of reportable gambling winnings does not
provide a TIN, you must backup withhold at the rate of 28% on
any such winnings that are not subject to 25% regular gambling
withholding. That is, backup withholding applies if the winnings
are at least $600 but not more than $5,000 and are at least 300
times the wager. Figure the 28% backup withholding on the
amount of the winnings reduced, at the option of the payer, by
the amount wagered.
Installment payments of $5,000 or less are subject to 25%
regular gambling withholding if the total proceeds from the
wager will exceed $5,000.
If payments are to be made for the life of a person (or for the
lives of more than one person), and it is actuarially determined
that the total proceeds from the wager are expected to exceed
$5,000, such payments are subject to 25% regular gambling
withholding. When a third party makes the payments, for
example, an insurance company handling the winnings as an
annuity, that third party must withhold.

Box 13 (optional)
Enter the abbreviated name of the state and your state
identification number.

Box 14 (optional)
Enter the amount of state income tax withheld.

3. Bingo, Keno, and Slot Machines
File Form W-2G for every person to whom you pay $1,200 or
more in gambling winnings from bingo or slot machines, or
$1,500 or more from keno after the price of the wager for the
winning keno game is deducted. If the winnings are not paid in
cash, the FMV of the item won is considered the amount of the
winnings. Total all winnings from each bingo or keno game.
Winnings and losses from other wagering transactions are not
to be taken into account in arriving at the $1,200 or $1,500
figure.

Withholding
Regular gambling withholding (25%) does not apply to winnings
from bingo, keno, or slot machines. However, if the recipient of
reportable gambling winnings from bingo, keno, or slot
machines does not provide a TIN, you must backup withhold at
the rate of 28%. That is, if the winnings are at least $1,200 from
bingo or slot machines or $1,500 from keno, 28% backup
withholding applies to the amount of the winnings reduced, at
the option of the payer, by the amount wagered.

When Paid
A payment of winnings is considered made when it is paid,
either actually or constructively, to the winner. Winnings are
constructively paid when they are credited to, or set apart for,
that person without any substantial limitation or restriction on
the time, manner, or condition of payment. However, if not later
than 60 days after the winner becomes entitled to the prize, the
winner chooses the option of a lump sum or an annuity payable
over at least 10 years, the payment of winnings is considered
made when actually paid. If the winner chooses an annuity, file
Form W-2G each year to report the annuity paid during that
year.

Box 1
Enter payments of $1,200 or more from bingo or slot machines
or payments of $1,500 or more from keno.

Box 2
Enter any 28% backup withholding.

Box 1

Box 3

Enter payments of $600 or more if the payment is at least 300
times the amount of the wager.

Enter the type of wager (that is, bingo, keno, or slot machines)
and the amount of the wager.

Box 2

Box 4

Enter any federal income tax withheld, whether 25% regular
gambling withholding or 28% backup withholding.

Enter the date of the winning transaction.

Box 3

Enter the ticket number, card number (and color, if applicable),
machine serial number, or any other information that will help
identify the winning transaction.

Box 5

Enter the type of wager (such as raffle or 50-50 drawing) or the
name of the lottery (such as Instant, Big 50, Baker’s Dozen, or
Powerball) and the price of the wager ($.50, $1, etc.).

Boxes 6 and 7

Box 4

Not applicable.

Enter the date of the winning transaction, such as the date of
the drawing of the winning number. This might not be the date
the winnings are paid.

Enter the initials of the person paying the winnings.

Box 5

Box 9

For a state lottery, enter the ticket number or other identifying
number.

This is required information. Enter the TIN of the person
receiving the winnings. For an individual this will be their social
security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification
number. If the winner fails to give you a TIN, backup
withholding applies. See Withholding above.

Box 8

Boxes 6 Through 8 and 10
Not applicable.

Box 9

Box 10

This is required information. Enter the TIN of the person
receiving the winnings. For an individual this will be their social

Enter the location of the person paying the winnings, if
applicable.

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Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754

11:02 - 6-MAR-2008

The type and rule above prints on all proofs including departmental reproduction proofs. MUST be removed before printing.

Boxes 11 and 12

Specific Instructions for Form 5754

As verification of the name, address, and SSN of the person
receiving the winnings, enter the identification numbers from
two forms of identification. The identification may be from a
driver’s license, social security card, or voter registration. Enter
the number and the state or jurisdiction. In some instances, the
number may be the same number as in box 9.

Use Form 5754, Statement by Person(s) Receiving Gambling
Winnings, only to prepare Form W-2G when the person
receiving gambling winnings subject to reporting or withholding
is not the actual winner or is a member of a group of two or
more winners on the same winning ticket. The payer is required
to file Forms W-2G based on Form 5754.
The person receiving the winnings must furnish all the
information required by Form 5754. However, a recipient of
winnings from a state-conducted lottery need not provide
identification other than his or her taxpayer identification
number (TIN).
Part I lists the identification of the person to whom the
winnings are paid, and Part II lists the actual winners, their
respective shares of the winnings, and any additional winnings
from identical wagers.
In Part II, the person receiving the winnings must provide the
name, address, TIN, respective share of the winnings, and
additional winnings from identical wagers for each of the
winners. In addition, if regular gambling withholding is required,
the form must be signed, under penalties of perjury, and dated
by the person receiving the winnings.
The form must be returned to the payer for preparation of
Form W-2G for each of the persons listed as winners. Forms
W-2G may be issued immediately or by January 31 following
the year of the payment.
Do not send Form 5754 to the IRS. Keep it for your records.

Box 13 (optional)
Enter the abbreviated name of the state and your state
identification number.

Box 14 (optional)
Enter the amount of state income tax withheld.

4. Poker Tournaments
File Form W-2G for each person to whom you pay more than
$5,000 in winnings, reduced by the amount of the wager or
buy-in, from each poker tournament you have sponsored.
Winnings and losses of the participant from other poker
tournaments you have sponsored during the year are not taken
into account in arriving at the $5,000 amount.
Withholding and backup withholding. If you file Form W-2G
for the person to whom you pay more than $5,000 in net
winnings from a poker tournament, and provide a copy of Form
W-2G to such person, regular gambling withholding does not
apply to such winnings. However, if the person who wins more
than $5,000 does not provide a TIN, you must apply 28%
backup withholding to the full amount of the winnings from the
tournament. Net winnings of $5,000 or less are not subject to
reporting, withholding, or backup withholding.

Withholding and Forms W-2G for Multiple
Winners

Box 1
Enter payments of more than $5,000 in net gambling winnings
from a poker tournament.

If more than one person shares in the winnings from a single
wager, the total amount of the winnings (less the amount
wagered) will determine the amount of the proceeds for
purposes of reporting and withholding. Do not allocate winnings
to each winner before determining whether the withholding or
reporting thresholds were reached.
For example, E purchases a sweepstakes ticket for $1 on
behalf of himself and S, who contributes an equal amount of the
ticket price and who will share equally in any winnings. The
ticket wins $5,002. Because the winnings ($5,002 - $1 =
$5,001) are more than $5,000, you must withhold 25% of
$5,001. You must prepare a separate Form W-2G for E and for
S using the information furnished to you on Form 5754.

Box 2
Enter zero as the amount, unless the winning person has not
provided a TIN. If the winning person has not provided a TIN,
enter the 28% backup withholding amount.

Box 3
Write “poker tournament” in the entry space.

Box 4
Enter the date of the poker tournament.

Box 5
Enter the name of the tournament and its sponsor.

Boxes 6 through 8 and Box 10
Not applicable.

Box 9
This is required information. Enter the TIN of the person
receiving the winnings. For an individual this will be their social
security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification
number. If the winner fails to give you a TIN, backup
withholding applies. See Withholding and backup withholding
above.

Boxes 11 and 12
As verification of the name, address, and SSN of the person
receiving the winnings, enter the identification numbers from
two forms of identification. The identification may be from a
driver’s license, social security card, or voter registration. Enter
the number and the state or jurisdiction. In some instances, the
number may be the same number as in box 9.

Box 13 (optional)
Enter the abbreviated name of the state and your state
identification number.

Box 14 (optional)
Enter the amount of state income tax withheld.

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