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Gambling Loss Deduction Limit Calculator (2026 90% Rule)

What do these figures come to once the work is shown?

Deductible gambling losses for 2026: the lesser of 90% of losses or winnings, for itemizers.

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Your figures
Example figuresIllustrative only. Type over them with your own.
Deductible gambling losses
$18,000
Schedule A, 2026 rule
Net taxable gambling income
$2,000
90% of losses
$18,000
Drawn to one scale
Deductible gambling losses$18,000
Net taxable gambling income$2,000
90% of losses$18,000
Losses not deductible$2,000
All results
MeasureResult
Deductible gambling losses$18,000
Net taxable gambling income$2,000
90% of losses$18,000
Losses not deductible$2,000
How this was worked out
Work shownrecomputed as you type
Deduction = lesser of 90% of losses or winnings
Only for taxpayers who itemize

Illustrative arithmetic on the figures you enter. Check the result against your firm's methodology before relying on it.

The formulas

  • Deduction = lesser of 90% of losses or winnings
  • Only for taxpayers who itemize

How it works

Publication 505 for 2026 states that the gambling loss deduction on Schedule A is limited to the lesser of 90% of gambling losses or gambling winnings, beginning in 2026. Before 2026 losses were deductible up to winnings in full.

Winnings are taxable whether or not you itemize, so a person who breaks even now has taxable income of 10% of losses. Keep a log of wins and losses with dates, places and amounts. Publication 505 also notes that bingo, slot and keno winnings of at least $2,000 face 24% backup withholding when required.

Illustrative figures only. Check the result against your firm's methodology before relying on it.

Common questions

Can non-itemizers deduct losses?

No. Gambling losses are an itemized deduction only.

Do winnings still count in AGI?

Yes. All winnings are income; the 90% rule limits only the deduction.

Can losses carry forward?

No. Excess losses are lost.

Sources

Runs in your browser. The figures you type are not sent to CORAA or stored. Check the result against your firm's methodology before relying on it.

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