How Do Casinos Pay Out Large Sums Of Money?

If you've played at a handful of online casinos - or even only one of them - you'll know there are hundreds of games at each one, and various prizes available in each of those games. The best thing to scoop would be the jackpot, of course, although some games have far bigger jackpots available than others.

So, what happens when someone wins a progressive jackpot? The answer depends on how much is won and which country you win it in. Different countries have different laws on such matters, so you could end up finding the rules are different where you live. We'll look at the possibilities you might encounter if you live in the United States.

Will it be a lump sum or an annuity?

The answer could depend on the casino paying out the prize. In some cases, you might receive the entire sum at once. In others, you may be offered installments. This means an annuity that pays out the same amount each time, possibly monthly, until you get the entire amount.

Some casino games give details of how the jackpot might be paid should you manage to win it. This means you'll know what to expect in advance. If you're instead given a choice between the two, it's best to seek financial advice before deciding, so you can see what might work out best for you.

It's always best to find out about such matters before you sign up to an online casino. Let's be honest - few people are ever going to find themselves in this situation, whereby they've won a jackpot worth thousands of dollars and they need to receive the payout. However, it's best to know what to expect first, just in case you're the fortunate one! You can usually find such details in the terms and conditions for the site. Alternatively, the casino might list them in the withdrawals section.

Taxable prizes from casino games

If you're fortunate enough to get this size prize from a casino game online, you'll need to pay taxes on it. These are Federal taxes. However, you should check the laws in your own US state, as some might also have state taxes to pay.

There are limits on the amount you can win from the slots, bingo games, keno, and poker games, so check the current amounts to see whether you'll need to pay taxes on your prize, as these can change.

The casino usually retains the percentage payable in taxes before sending the remainder to you. You should also receive a W2-G form detailing the facts about this transaction.

Does the casino always retain the tax?

Not always - you may find you get the full lump sum, in which case you must file your own taxes to make sure you pay the correct amount. At the time of writing, the percentage payable is 25%, and this holds true for all the winnings you might pick up. So, even if you scoop a life-changing amount, the 25% slice doesn't get any bigger.

What about deducting losses from your winnings?

You can certainly do this, but you need to remember that you'll have to swallow any losses you get over and above the amount won. So, if you win $1,000 and you lose $2,000, this means you've lost $1,000 overall. You cannot write off that loss against other income.

Make sure you know all the payout rules ahead of time

If you're keen on playing at online casinos, make sure you know what the current tax rules are surrounding winnings at gambling in the US. you should also know what your state rules are regarding taxable gambling prizes. This means you'll have a better idea of what to expect if things do go your way and you do manage to snag a few wins.