3 Types of Sports Wagers on Which You'll Owe Taxes
Thought you won big in your Fantasy Football league? Think again.


Congrats! Your football bet won the jackpot. The prize may or may not be legal, but you can bet you owe taxes on it.
You won in Vegas. Football gambling is legal at casinos in Nevada and Delaware. The larger your prize, the more likely you (and the IRS) are to receive a tax form, such as a 1099-MISC or W2-G, to report the prize. No form? You’re still obligated to report winnings, regardless of size, on your tax return as “other income.”
You won playing daily fantasy. Daily fantasy football contests, such as those offered by FanDuel and DraftKings, are legal in some states, outlawed in others. Where legal, proceeds from these games are likely treated as “hobby” income. Any entrance fees that you wish to deduct from taxable income (if you itemize) must exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
You won the office pool. Most states consider office pools to be illegal lotteries but largely tolerate the practice. The IRS expects you to report even questionable windfalls. But that works both ways: Itemizers can offset gambling gains with any losses—legal or not.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Ryan joined Kiplinger in the fall of 2013. He wrote and fact-checked stories that appeared in Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and on Kiplinger.com. He previously interned for the CBS Evening News investigative team and worked as a copy editor and features columnist at the GW Hatchet. He holds a BA in English and creative writing from George Washington University.
-
Ask the Editor, October 17: QCDs and Tax-Planning
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers more questions about the use of qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) in end-of-year tax planning.
-
You May Want To Think Twice Before Selling These Four Assets in Retirement
Sitting on little gold mines? It's natural to want to cash out when you retire. Here’s why you may not want to.
-
IRS Updates 2026 Tax Deduction for People Age 65 and Older
Tax Changes Adjustments to the extra standard deduction can impact the tax bills of millions of older adults. Here are some new amounts to know for 2026.
-
Child Tax Credit, EITC, & More: Three IRS Tax Breaks Getting Bigger Soon
Tax Credits Key family tax breaks are higher for 2026, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Adoption Credit. Here's what they're worth.
-
Standard Deduction 2026 Amounts Are Here
Tax Breaks What is the standard deduction for your filing status in 2026?
-
Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are Five Tax Breaks for Retirement in 2025
Tax Tips If you’re retired and filing taxes, these five tax credits and deductions could provide thousands in relief (if you qualify).
-
New Tax Rules: Income the IRS Won’t Touch in 2025
Income Taxes From financial gifts to Roth withdrawal rules, here’s what income stays tax-free under the new Trump 2025 tax bill, and some information on what’s changed.
-
Three Popular Tax Breaks Are Gone for Good in 2026
Tax Breaks Here's a list of federal tax deductions and credits that you can't claim in the 2026 tax year. High-income earners could also get hit by a 'surprise' tax bill.
-
Tax Brackets 2025 Quiz: How Much Do You Know?
Quiz Test your knowledge of IRS rules that impact how much money you keep in your wallet.
-
Retirees Face a Growing Capital Gains Tax Trap: What's Next?
Home Sales A changing housing market and unchanged IRS exclusion amounts can add up to a headache for many homeowners. Will Congress offer a fix?