Poker tournaments winnings tax in Massachusetts
Massachusetts taxes poker tournament winnings as ordinary income at graduated rates from 5% to 9%.
Updated · 2026 tax rules · How we calculate
You keep
$15,250
Cash at payout
$20,000
Total tax
$4,750
Due when you file
$4,750
- Form W-2G
- Yes
- Federal withholding at payout
- $0
- Federal tax on the winnings
- $3,750
- State tax
- $1,000
- Still to pay when you file
- $4,750
- You keep
- $15,250
$20,000 is at or above the $2,000 reporting threshold, so the payer files a W-2G with the IRS and gives you a copy.
Poker tournaments winnings aren't subject to regular federal withholding, whatever the amount. Tax is still owed when you file. If you don't give the payer your Social Security number, 24% backup withholding applies.
Winnings are ordinary income stacked on your other $60,000. Your top dollar lands in the 22% bracket.
Massachusetts taxes gambling winnings as ordinary income.
Tax owed ($4,750) minus what was withheld ($0). Set this aside. A large balance can also mean an underpayment penalty unless you make an estimated payment.
$20,000 minus $4,750 in federal and state tax: an effective rate of 23.8%.
An estimate for 2026, not tax advice. It treats this win as your only gambling income for the year and leaves out local income taxes. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.
The rules
- Massachusetts tax
- Massachusetts taxes poker tournament winnings as ordinary income at graduated rates from 5% to 9%.[1]Unverified
- Federal tax form
- Poker tournament winnings of $2,000 or more, net of the buy-in, are reported on a W-2G. No 300x test applies.[2]Unverified
- Federal withholding
- Poker tournament winnings aren't subject to regular withholding if the payer files a W-2G and gives you a copy.[2]Unverified
- Massachusetts withholding
- Massachusetts withholds 5% whenever federal tax is withheld.[3]
- Gambling losses
- Massachusetts doesn't follow the federal rule. You can deduct losses at Massachusetts-licensed casinos, sportsbooks and racetracks, up to your winnings from those same sources, without itemizing. Lottery and out-of-state losses don't count.[4]
- Visitors
- Massachusetts taxes nonresidents on poker tournament winnings won there, so visitors may need to file a nonresident return.[5]
- Where to play
- Massachusetts has casinos.[6]
What you keep at different amounts
For a single filer with $60,000 of other income and no gambling losses, living and winning in Massachusetts.
| Won | W-2G | Withheld | Federal tax | State tax | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | No | $0 | $180 | $75 | $1,245 |
| $2,000 | Yes | $0 | $240 | $100 | $1,660 |
| $10,000 | Yes | $0 | $1,550 | $500 | $7,950 |
| $20,000 | Yes | $0 | $3,750 | $1,000 | $15,250 |
| $100,000 | Yes | $0 | $22,114 | $5,000 | $72,886 |
Questions
- How much is Massachusetts tax on poker tournament winnings?
- Massachusetts taxes poker tournament winnings as ordinary income at graduated rates from 5% to 9%.[1]Unverified
- Does Massachusetts withhold tax from poker tournament winnings?
- Massachusetts withholds 5% whenever federal tax is withheld.[3]
- Do visitors pay Massachusetts tax on poker tournament winnings?
- Massachusetts taxes nonresidents on poker tournament winnings won there, so visitors may need to file a nonresident return.[5]
More for Massachusetts
All of Massachusetts's gambling tax rules · Poker tournaments in every state
Sources
- [1] Sage Knowledgebase, Massachusetts 2026 withholding (relaying DOR Circular M) · checked September 22, 2026
- [2] IRS, Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754 (01/2026) · checked September 22, 2026
- [3] M.G.L. c. 62B, s. 2 · checked September 22, 2026
- [4] M.G.L. c. 62, s. 3.B(a)(18) · checked September 22, 2026
- [5] M.G.L. c. 62, s. 5A · checked September 22, 2026
- [6] Massachusetts Gaming Commission: Sports Wagering Licensees · checked September 22, 2026