Gambling Losses in 2026: Itemize or Take the Standard Deduction?

Gambling losses are an itemized deduction on Schedule A line 16. If you take the standard deduction, none of them count and all your winnings are taxable (Topic 419).

2026 standard deduction

$16,100 single or married filing separately, $24,150 head of household and $32,200 married filing jointly (Rev. Proc. 2025-32).

The check

Add the losses you're allowed — 90% of your losses, no more than your winnings — to your other itemized deductions (state and local taxes, mortgage interest, gifts to charity). If the total beats the standard deduction, itemizing helps. Wagertally does this check for your filing status.

Not tax advice.

Last reviewed 2026-10-29. General information, not tax advice. Your tax adviser can tell you what applies to you.