The losses reported cannot be more than the winnings. The losses are entered on Schedule A as an itemized deduction. The total of all your itemized deductions on Schedule A must be greater than the standard deduction for your filing status to have any tax benefit.
Standard deductions for 2021
- Single - $12,550 add $1,700 if age 65 or older
- Married Filing Separately - $12,550 add $1,350 if age 65 or older
- Married Filing Jointly - $25,100 add $1,350 for each spouse age 65 or older
- Head of Household - $18,800 add $1,700 if age 65 or older
