How to Get a Win Loss Statement From a Casino

A casino win loss statement is a document that summarizes your gambling activity over a specific period. It is often used for tax purposes, as it provides an estimate of money won or lost, which can be helpful for record-keeping.

Understanding a Casino Win Loss Statement

A win loss statement is an unaudited report from a casino that estimates a player’s activity for a set timeframe, such as the previous calendar year. The IRS does not consider this statement sufficient proof of gambling losses. To substantiate any claimed losses, taxpayers must maintain a detailed diary of their gambling activity, along with records like receipts and tickets. Under IRS rules, you can deduct gambling losses only up to the amount of your winnings.

This statement is different from an IRS Form W-2G, “Certain Gambling Winnings.” A W-2G is an official tax form issued by a casino for specific, large payouts, such as slot winnings of $1,200 or more or for poker tournament winnings of more than $5,000. The win loss statement is not an official IRS form but an informal summary of your electronically tracked play.

Information and Documents Needed for Your Request

To request your statement, you will need to provide your full legal name, current mailing address, and date of birth. Your Player’s Club or loyalty card number is required, as the statement is directly linked to the activity tracked on that account.

You will need to provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity. Some casinos may allow you to present this in person, while others require a copy to be sent with a request form. Some casinos may also request a Form W-9.

How to Request Your Statement

In-Person

To obtain your win loss statement in person, visit the Player’s Club desk or the main casino cage. You will need to present your player’s card and a valid government-issued photo ID. If the casino requires a Form W-9, they may provide one for you to complete on-site.

Online Portal

Many casinos offer an online player portal. To use this method, you need an online account linked to your player’s card. After logging in, navigate to a section labeled “My Account,” “Tax Forms,” or “Win/Loss Statements.” From there, you can select the desired tax year and download a PDF copy of your statement instantly.

Mail or Fax

Requesting your statement by mail is another option. You will need to obtain the casino’s “Win/Loss Statement Request Form,” which is often available for download on their website. Fill out the request form and mail it along with a copy of your photo ID and a completed Form W-9, if required by the casino. Be aware that some casinos do not accept emailed or faxed requests for security reasons, requiring original documents to be mailed.

Limitations of Your Win Loss Statement

A win loss statement has significant limitations because it is an unaudited estimate reflecting only your “tracked play.” Tracked play includes only the gambling activity that occurred while your player’s card was inserted into a slot machine or presented to a dealer at a table game.

The statement will not include wagers made without your card, such as unrated cash play. Furthermore, activity in other areas like poker rooms and sportsbooks is often not included, as their tracking systems can be separate from the main casino floor.