Trump mulls over scrapping federal tax on gambling earnings

By 
 December 10, 2025

Could your next big win come without a federal bite? President Donald Trump has tossed out a tantalizing idea that might just brighten the day for millions of Americans who love a good wager.

Trump revealed on Tuesday that he’s mulling over the elimination of federal taxes on gambling winnings, a potential relief for the nearly 60% of American adults who gambled in the past year, Fox Business reported

This isn’t the first tax cut on the administration’s radar. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law over the summer, already axed taxes on tips and overtime pay. It’s a clear signal of intent to lighten the load on everyday folks.

Trump's Tax Cuts Keep Rolling

Trump’s latest consideration fits neatly into a broader mission to slash burdensome taxes. While progressive policies often lean toward more government grab, this approach seems focused on letting Americans keep more of their own money.

“We have no tax on tips, we have no tax on Social Security, and we have no tax on overtime,” Trump declared.

“No tax on gambling winnings, I don't know. I'm gonna have to think about that,” he continued. Isn’t that a breath of fresh air in a political landscape full of empty guarantees?

Gambling's Huge Reach in America

The numbers don’t lie—nearly 60% of adults gambled last year, according to the American Gaming Association. That includes 30% hitting physical casinos and 21% betting on sports. This isn’t a fringe issue; it’s a mainstream concern.

Right now, the IRS plays hardball with winners. If you pocket over $600, you’re stuck filing a W-2G form. For winnings above $5,000, a 24% withholding rate kicks in, sometimes climbing to 28%.

And if you can’t provide a Social Security number, that rate spikes to 31%. It’s almost as if the system is rigged to dampen your lucky day. Surely, there’s room for a fairer approach.

Heavy Taxes on Every Wager

The tax dragnet covers everything—lotteries, raffles, horse races, casinos, you name it. All winnings must be reported on a Form 1040, no exceptions allowed. It’s a paperwork slog that turns a thrill into a chore.

Granted, gambling losses can be deducted, but only up to the amount of your winnings. If you’re in the red overall, the government offers no sympathy. It often feels like a lose-lose for players.

For countless Americans, gambling is just a bit of fun, a small escape in a world weighed down by overregulation and woke overreach. Why should a winning bet or a lucky slot pull come with a federal slap? It’s a question worth asking.

Is This a Winning Bet?

Scrapping this tax could be a real boost for regular folks who enjoy a gamble now and then. It’s not about promoting betting; it’s about fairness in a system that too often squeezes the little guy.

Trump’s openness to this idea reflects a practical mindset that connects with those fed up with Washington’s heavy hand. Some might call it a fiscal gamble, but others see it as a deserved break amid rising costs.

Let’s hope this proposal gets serious consideration. It could be a small but meaningful win for personal freedom over bureaucratic overreach. After all, shouldn’t a stroke of luck stay lucky?

" A free people [claim] their rights, as derived from the laws of nature."
Thomas Jefferson