I had gambling winnings and losses. which netted out to zero, but the winning still appear as part of my taxable income. Why is the net is zero?

[kjaworski19]

why isn't the net zero? For example, if my taxable income is 10,000 and my gambling winning is 2000 and my losses id 2000 why is my taxable income now 12,000?

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

Gambling losses can only be deducted up to the amount of the gambling winnings.
Gambling winnings are reported on Form 1040 Schedule 1 on Line 8 as Other Income. The amount from Part I of Schedule 1 Line 10 flows to Form 1040 Line 8.
Gambling Losses are reported on Form 1040 Schedule A as a Other Itemized Deductions. Gambling losses are not a one-for-one reduction in winnings. Your total itemized deductions reported on Form 1040 Schedule A must be greater than the standard deduction for your filing status to have any tax benefit.

Standard deductions for 2023

Single - $13,850 add $1,850 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Separately - $13,850 add $1,500 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Jointly - $27,700 add $1,500 for each spouse age 65 or older
Head of Household - $20,800 add $1,850 if age 65 or older