USA tax accounting office paperwork on 1040 form financial time tax form with payment taxes of government lottery

When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS

When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS

October 7, 2024

When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS

By: George Calhoun

Sports betting and adjacent industries have exploded in the United States.  One area that continues to cause confusion is the taxation of these businesses – both for the companies and the individual players. For individual bettors, the IRS has clear rules on gambling income that predate the recent explosion of the sports betting industry. In short, the proceeds from a successful sports wager are taxable income and taxed like any other ordinary income.  Losses can be deducted if you file an itemized return, but such deductions cannot exceed winnings.  Unfortunately, each bet is treated separately.  You cannot lump bets together to net your transactions.  That means bettors must keep records of their wins and losses to file an accurate return.[1]…

Read More about When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS
Blog Series

Real Experience. Real Results.

Stories of successfully resolved iGaming client issues and challenges.

Illinois Expanding Regulations over Gaming Ads

October 2, 2024

Illinois Expanding Regulations over Gaming Ads

By: Jordan Briggs

The Illinois Gaming Board (“IGB”) adopted a new proposed uniform advertising regulation for sports wagering, casino gambling, and video gaming operators at its September meeting. Sports wagering is already subject to certain advertising and marketing restrictions, captured in “Rule 340.”[1] IGB proposed amendments to strengthen Rule 340 for sports wagering, and, for the first time, proposed to extend Rule 340 to casino gambling and video…

Read More about Illinois Expanding Regulations over Gaming Ads

Maryland Regulators Pick Away at Latest Fantasy Offerings

September 6, 2024

Maryland Regulators Pick Away at Latest Fantasy Offerings

By: Robert Ward

On August 29, just as football fans were gearing up for the 2024-2025 NFL season, the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency issued a new round of proposed regulations for both sports betting and daily fantasy sports. The proposed sports betting regulations address a wide range of topics, from geolocation and multifactor authentication to wind-down procedures for sportsbooks.[1] The proposed daily fantasy sports regulations,…

Read More about Maryland Regulators Pick Away at Latest Fantasy Offerings

When Gamers Become Plaintiffs – Arbitration Clauses for the Win

February 23, 2024

When Gamers Become Plaintiffs – Arbitration Clauses for the Win

By: Michelle Cohen

Online businesses, including gaming companies, frequently include arbitration clauses in their “terms and conditions” or other policies when consumers register for their services. These clauses notify users that disputes will be subject to private arbitration by an appointed neutral arbitrator, usually the American Arbitration Association or JAMS.  Businesses favor arbitration for several reasons, including reduced costs of litigation, expediency, confidentiality, and requiring that matters be…

Read More about When Gamers Become Plaintiffs – Arbitration Clauses for the Win

Fast-Paced, Multi-Pronged Partnership Deal Lets London Financial Giant Access U.S. iGaming Market

February 15, 2024

Fast-Paced, Multi-Pronged Partnership Deal Lets London Financial Giant Access U.S. iGaming Market

By: Jeff Ifrah

A global payment processor—#11 on CNBC’s 2022 Disruptor 50 list—sought out Ifrah Law for a pathway into payment processing for regulated sports betting operators in the U.S. iGaming market. Ifrah Law mapped a licensing and compliance strategy, kindled a partnership with one of America’s biggest sports brands, and orchestrated a seamless entry into the lucrative payment processing realm for leading companies in regulated sports betting….

Read More about Fast-Paced, Multi-Pronged Partnership Deal Lets London Financial Giant Access U.S. iGaming Market

Super Bowl LVIII’s Record-Breaking Number of Bettors Illustrates Benefits and Success of Legalization

February 7, 2024

Super Bowl LVIII’s Record-Breaking Number of Bettors Illustrates Benefits and Success of Legalization

By: Jake Gray

In the five or so years since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in Murphy v. NCAA, which gave way for state legislatures to legalize sports betting, more than 35 states have done so. Each successive year seems to be a record breaker for the sports betting industry as states continue to legalize and regulate the industry, offering a…

Read More about Super Bowl LVIII’s Record-Breaking Number of Bettors Illustrates Benefits and Success of Legalization

North Carolina Welcomes Digital Marketing Affiliates

January 31, 2024

North Carolina Welcomes Digital Marketing Affiliates

By: Sara Dalsheim

In June 2023 the North Carolina legislature passed an act to legalize sports wagering and issue appropriate implementing regulations for the new regulated industry. In the fall of 2023, the Sports Betting Committee of the North Carolina Lottery Commission (“Commission”) issued their first package rules. Those rules included language that would have made it infeasible for marketing affiliates to enter into agreements and participate in…

Read More about North Carolina Welcomes Digital Marketing Affiliates

Cross-Border Acquisition Helps Canadian Firm Gain Traction in U.S. iGaming Markets

January 10, 2024

Cross-Border Acquisition Helps Canadian Firm Gain Traction in U.S. iGaming Markets

By: Jeff Ifrah

A Canada-based payment technology company successfully expanded into the lucrative, and highly regulated, U.S. iGaming market by working with Ifrah Law to plan and execute the $370 million acquisition of a U.S.-based iGaming payments-processing expert. Since its founding 2003, Canadian fintech company Nuvei Technologies has grown into a potent business accelerator for clients around the world. The company offers flexible, scalable payment processing solutions that…

Read More about Cross-Border Acquisition Helps Canadian Firm Gain Traction in U.S. iGaming Markets

Articles and Presentations by Our Firm Attorneys

When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS

When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS
By: George Calhoun

Illinois Expanding Regulations over Gaming Ads

Illinois Expanding Regulations over Gaming Ads
By: Jordan Briggs

Maryland Regulators Pick Away at Latest Fantasy Offerings

Maryland Regulators Pick Away at Latest Fantasy Offerings
By: Robert Ward

Subscribe to Ifrah Law’s Insights