What is Form W-2G?
Form W-2G is used by casinos, racetracks, and gaming operators to report gambling winnings and any federal income tax withheld. Reporting and withholding requirements vary depending on the type of gambling, the amount won, and, in most cases, the ratio of winnings to the wager.
“Over 30 million W-2G forms could be filed by 2025—are you ready to meet the demand?”
Prepare the Form W-2G with TaxBandits
Who Must File Form W-2G?
Businesses that pay gambling winnings, like casinos and lotteries, must file Form W-2G when payouts meet certain IRS thresholds.
| Games | Threshold for Filing W-2G |
|---|---|
| Bingo or Slot Machines | $1,200 or more |
| Keno | $1,500 or more |
| Poker Tournament | $5,000 or more |
| Other Wagers* | $600 or more and winnings are at least 300x the wager |
*This applies to any other wagering transaction if the winnings are at least 300 times the amount of the wager. You must also
file if any winnings are subject to federal income tax withholding.
Form W-2G Deadlines for 2025 Tax Year
Key dates for filing and distributing Form W-2G for the 2025 tax year to stay IRS-compliant and avoid penalties.
Recipient Copy
February 2, 2026
Paper Filing with IRS
March 2, 2026
E-filing with IRS
March 31, 2026
What Information is Required to File Form W-2G Electronically?
Discover the key information needed to file Form 1099-DA easily.
Payer's Info:
Name, address, TIN, and telephone number
Winner Info:
Name, address, TIN, and account number
Payment Info:
This may include,- Reportable winnings
- Additional winnings from identical wagers
Date of the winning event
Type of wager
Type of race or game
Cashier or window number making the winning payment
Federal Income Tax Withheld (if any)
State and Local Tax Info:
State income tax withheld, payer’s state identification number and state abbreviation, state winnings, local winnings, local income tax withheld, and locality name.
Start filing your W-2G tax returns with TaxBandits.
How TaxBandits Helps You Comply with IRS Form W-2G Filing Requirements
Whether you’re reporting to the IRS or sending copies to winners, TaxBandits handles the entire W-2G filing process quickly, accurately, and securely.
Request a W-9 for Free
Easily and securely request W-9s directly from winners through TaxBandits at no cost.
TIN Matching
Validate winners TINs against IRS records to reduce errors and avoid CP2100 Notices.
Bulk Upload Template
Use our bulk upload feature to import all winner data and file in one go.
Recipient Copy Distribution
Instantly generate and distribute recipient copies via Postal or Online Access.
Secure Data Handling
TaxBandits ensures industry-standard encryption and secure data storage to protect sensitive information.
IRS-Authorized E-filing
As an IRS-authorized e-file provider, TaxBandits guarantees your submissions are fully compliant and securely transmitted.
Solutions Built for Tax Pros & High Volume Filers
Our platform is designed to handle the complexities of high-volume filing, providing robust tools for
tax professionals, casinos, and large gaming organizations.
API Integration
Automate your entire W-2G filing workflow by integrating your systems directly with our
robust API.
PRO Account
Create a TaxBandits PRO account and seamlessly manage high-volume W-2G filings within a secure, cloud-based solution.
Dedicated Support
Get priority assistance from our expert support team to handle any filing questions or
technical needs.
How to File Form W-2G Electronically with TaxBandits?
Create your free account and follow these simple steps to e-file your Form W-2G effortlessly!
-
Step 1: Import and Validate Data
Upload your W-2G information using our CSV template, Manual import, or custom upload option. TaxBandits automatically validates your data to prevent IRS rejections.
-
Step 2: E-File with IRS and States
Submit your W-2G forms directly to the IRS and applicable state agencies in just a few clicks.
-
Step 3: Deliver Recipient Copies
Send recipient copies securely through postal mail, online access, or both—quickly and hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions to File W-2G Online
What is a Form W-2G?
Form W-2G is used to report certain gambling winnings during a given tax year. The types of gambling activities included in this form are horse racing, dog racing, sweepstakes, wagering pools, lotteries, bingo and slot machine winnings, and poker tournament winnings.
When is the deadline to file Form W-2G for the 2025 tax year?
- February 2, 2026, is the due date for distributing copies of Form W-2G to a recipient.
- If you choose to file by paper, the deadline is February 28, 2026, for the 2025 Tax Year.
- The Form W-2G electronic filing deadline is on March 31, 2026.
Note: If the due date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, you should file on the next business day.
When do you need to file Form W-2G?
You need to file Form W-2G to report gambling winnings and any federal income tax withheld on those winnings. This form must be filed under the following specific conditions:
- Winnings of $1,200 or more from a bingo game or slot machine.
- Winnings of $1,500 or more from a keno game.
- Winnings exceeding $5,000 from a poker tournament.
- If your gambling winnings (excluding bingo, slot machines, keno, and poker tournaments) are $600 or more and at least 300 times the amount you bet, you can choose to reduce the reported winnings by the amount you wagered.
- Winnings that are subject to federal income tax withholding.
How to file Form W-2G online?
Electronic filing is the preferred IRS method for Form W-2G. It is also an easier process that comes with many added benefits. For example, when you choose to e-file Form W-2G with TaxBandits, we audit your form using the IRS Business Rules to help you file accurately. We also provide instant IRS updates on the status of your form. To begin filing Form W-2G online, create a free TaxBandits account.
How do you use Form 5754 when reporting gambling winnings on Form W-2G?
Form 5754 (Statement by Persons Receiving Gambling Winnings) is necessary for preparing Form W-2G in specific situations where the individual claiming the winnings is not the actual winner or is part of a group sharing the winnings from a single ticket. In such cases, you must use Form 5754 to complete the W-2G. The individual receiving the winnings is responsible for providing all the required information on Form 5754.
What are the IRS late filing penalties of Form W-2G?
If you fail to file and furnish Form W-2G within the specified deadlines, the IRS will impose penalties ranging between $60 and $680, depending on your business size and the delayed period.
To learn more about the W-2G penalties, click here.
Ready to E-file Form W-2G Today?
Simplify your casino and gaming winnings reporting — fast, secure, and IRS-compliant.
