Call for FAIR BET Act to Restore Full Gambling Loss Tax Deduction in the US

Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus has made a renewed push to fully restore the federal tax deduction for gambling losses. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Titus asked that the FAIR BET Act be added to a major spending package or other legislation that must pass before the end of the year. The request is back in focus as Congress returns from recess and enters the final weeks of the year.

Under the current rule, taxpayers can deduct only 90 percent of their gambling losses from their winnings. This limit came with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed in July 2025, and replaced the previous 100 percent deduction. For example, someone who reports $100,000 in winnings and the same amount in losses faces $10,000 in taxable income, even though they did not make a net profit.

Titus argues that the restriction harms both professional and amateur players. In her view, the tax rule could shift customers to offshore betting companies, which may have weaker oversight. Titus also raised concerns about lower domestic tax revenue, reduced investment, and job losses.

Titus first introduced the proposal in July 2025. Since then, she has tried different ways to have it included in comprehensive legislative packages.