Poker tournaments winnings tax in Minnesota
Minnesota taxes poker tournament winnings as ordinary income at graduated rates from 5.35% to 9.85%.
Updated · 2026 tax rules · How we calculate
You keep
$14,890
Cash at payout
$20,000
Total tax
$5,110
Due when you file
$5,110
- Form W-2G
- Yes
- Federal withholding at payout
- $0
- Federal tax on the winnings
- $3,750
- State tax
- $1,360
- Still to pay when you file
- $5,110
- You keep
- $14,890
$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.
Minnesota taxes gambling winnings as ordinary income.
Tax owed ($5,110) 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 $5,110 in federal and state tax: an effective rate of 25.6%.
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
- Minnesota tax
- Minnesota taxes poker tournament winnings as ordinary income at graduated rates from 5.35% to 9.85%.[1]
- 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
- Minnesota withholding
- No Minnesota withholding requirement for poker tournament winnings. Tax is due when you file.[3]
- Gambling losses
- You can deduct gambling losses, up to your winnings, only by claiming Minnesota itemized deductions (Schedule M1SA). Minnesota's 2026 conformity update brings in the federal 90% limit.[4]Unverified
- Visitors
- Minnesota taxes nonresidents on poker tournament winnings won there, so visitors may need to file a nonresident return.[5]
- Where to play
- Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
| Won | W-2G | Withheld | Federal tax | State tax | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | No | $0 | $180 | $102 | $1,218 |
| $2,000 | Yes | $0 | $240 | $136 | $1,624 |
| $10,000 | Yes | $0 | $1,550 | $680 | $7,770 |
| $20,000 | Yes | $0 | $3,750 | $1,360 | $14,890 |
| $100,000 | Yes | $0 | $22,114 | $7,170 | $70,716 |
Questions
- How much is Minnesota tax on poker tournament winnings?
- Minnesota taxes poker tournament winnings as ordinary income at graduated rates from 5.35% to 9.85%.[1]
- Does Minnesota withhold tax from poker tournament winnings?
- Minnesota has no withholding requirement for poker tournament winnings. Tax is due when you file.[3]
- Do visitors pay Minnesota tax on poker tournament winnings?
- Minnesota taxes nonresidents on poker tournament winnings won there, so visitors may need to file a nonresident return.[5]
More for Minnesota
All of Minnesota's gambling tax rules · Poker tournaments in every state
Sources
- [1] Minnesota Department of Revenue: Minnesota Income Tax Rates and Brackets · checked September 22, 2026
- [2] IRS, Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754 (01/2026) · checked September 22, 2026
- [3] Minn. Stat. 290.92, subd. 29 · checked September 22, 2026
- [4] Minn. Stat. 290.0122, subd. 8 · checked September 22, 2026
- [5] Minnesota Department of Revenue: Gambling Winnings · checked September 22, 2026
- [6] Minnesota DPS Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement: Gambling · checked September 22, 2026