W2-G's Now Being Given Out for Jackpot Wins

Just returned from my Anthem 11/22 sailing on which a friend won a $1,800. ish jackpot on one of Quick Hit machines in the casino. She was given a W-2G form by the Casino and told she would have to claim her win on her tax form. We were told by the Casino that this is a new policy being enacted on Quantum class ships and other "select" ships due to RC wanting to carry more cash and wanting the ability to be able to wire money back and forth into the states. RC could only do that if they registered with the IRS. So, now, any hand pays will be taxable.:(

So, now, any hand pays will be taxable.:(

There's probably some lower limit below which they won't bother doing this.

There's probably some lower limit below which they won't bother doing this.

Anything over 600 in one win will get one.

I hope I get one!!

Just returned from my Anthem 11/22 sailing on which a friend won a $1,800. ish jackpot on one of Quick Hit machines in the casino. She was given a W-2G form by the Casino and told she would have to claim her win on her tax form. We were told by the Casino that this is a new policy being enacted on Quantum class ships and other "select" ships due to RC wanting to carry more cash and wanting the ability to be able to wire money back and forth into the states. RC could only do that if they registered with the IRS. So, now, any hand pays will be taxable.:(

Bit of an odd policy given RCL doesn't sail exclusively US taxpayers.

Presumably they'll still have to hand over the cash to non US taxpayers.

Reportable Gambling Winnings

Report gambling winnings on Form W-2G if:

1. The winnings (not reduced by the wager) are $1,200 or more from a bingo game or slot machine,
   
2. The winnings (reduced by the wager) are $1,500 or more from a keno game,
   
3. The winnings (reduced by the wager or buy-in) are more than $5,000 from a poker tournament,
   
4. The winnings (except winnings from bingo, slot machines, keno, and poker tournaments) reduced, at the option of the payer, by the wager are:
   
   1. 
      
   2. $600 or more, and
      
   3. At least 300 times the amount of the wager, or
      

[*]The winnings are subject to federal income tax withholding (either regular gambling withholding or backup withholding).

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw2g/ar02.html