Quiet IRS rule shift means an extra $800 for some Americans in 2026 — here’s who wins

Americans who hit jackpots at casinos stand to gain in 2026. The IRS just confirmed a major shift: the taxable threshold for slot machine winnings rises from $1,200 to $2,000 starting January 1. That's an $800 boost—the first update since 1977. This change stems from the One Big Beautiful (OBBB) Act, signed by President Trump this summer. Casual gamblers won't report wins under $2,000 on tax returns. No more Form W-2G for those smaller payouts. Casinos save on paperwork too, cutting disruptions for players.