Do I have to show a Social Security card for a jackpot if I win one?

I'm new to this website and also Las Vegas and gambling. I love to play the slots! But I'm afraid that if I hit a jackpot, I'll be asked for a Social Security card and I don't have one. Will I still get paid if I can't show them a Social Security card?

On any single jackpot of $1,200 or more, the casino must issue tax paperwork (the W-2G) to the jackpot winner; a copy also goes to the IRS.

But according to our book, Tax Help for Gamblers, no federal or state law requires a U.S. citizen to give printed proof of a Social Security number in order to be issued a W-2G and paid a jackpot. He or she can provide it verbally or in writing. To ensure that a player gives the correct number, the casino gives the player a W-9 form, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. By signing this form, the player certifies, under penalties for perjury, that this is the correct Social Security number. This shifts legal responsibility from the casino to the player.

Now, you don’t have to give your Social Security number, if you have one; any number of U.S. citizens don't and some who do don't have it memorized. But if you don't give it up, the IRS requires that the casino withhold 28% of the winnings for federal income tax.

This most often comes into play when Canadians and other foreigners hit jackpots in the U.S. Obviously, unless they have dual citizenship, of which the U.S. is one, they won’t have a Social Security number.

"Some casinos seem to mix up Social Security cards and ID cards. You do have to show a valid ID or the casino can refuse to pay off a W-2G jackpot until you do. You do not have to show your original Social Security card. In fact, it's written right on your Social Security card that it's not to be used as identification," authors Jean Scott and Marissa Chien write in Tax Help for Gamblers.

"What can you do if a casino doesn’t seem to be following the IRS rules and requires an original Social Security card? Ask to speak to a supervisor or even a senior casino executive. One player suggested carrying blank W-9 forms with you (they can be printed out from the IRS website) and giving one to the casino employee making this mistaken request. He said that some new and/or small casinos, especially Native American ones, don’t seem to know about this option."

We most often hear about this issue from people who had a bad experience at a tribal casino. Casinos on reservations don't necessarily follow federal law and sometimes have their own rules and regs. You don't have much recourse, other than escalating a situation up the boss ladder, on a reservation casino.

But one thing's for sure: Carrying your Social Security card with you is a bad idea, whether you're in a casino or anywhere else.

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spaxman Aug-24-2022

SS cards

The SSA gives out replacement social security cards everyday. Why is it bad to carry it with you? A new one is just a phone call away.

Dave Kamsler Aug-24-2022

Spaxman

The problem with carrying (and potentially losing) your SS card isn’t the difficulty in getting it replaced (though, I wouldn’t bank on the swiftness and efficiency of the Social Security Administration); it’s the potential for fraud if you lose your card and someone finds it with your name and Social Security Number on it.

Dorothy Kahhan Aug-24-2022

Not For Identification

The wording "Not for Identification" was removed from the 1972 version of the Social Security card. I found a fascinating (!) history of all the changes to the social security card over the years that some may find to be of interest.  https://www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/ssnversions.html

Pat Higgins Aug-24-2022

big tex

If your ever have hit a jackpot at or over the $1200 amount give the SS information and have them take out the potential amount of tax and report it on your tax return.  It's not worth the potential problem with the IRS and be glad you have more a profit for your savings account.  And yes keep detailed records of the times you had losses in the casino to off set some of the tax had to report.  It's simply not worth the problem you just might have with the IRS.

Lotel Aug-24-2022

foreigners

Interesting, So foreigners have to pay 28% on a big jackpot. Wonder if they can get some of that money back?? Still good for USA they pay it .

Roy Furukawa Aug-24-2022

Replacement

Easy to register on SSA.gov and get a replacement card and to see your info. I keep my card with my passport in a safe because I don't need to carry it and that's just one more way for it to be exposed to thieves. Once you give your information to a casino and have a player's card, you just need your driver license and they have all your info on file for a W2-G.

Texas Transplant Aug-24-2022

Don't keep your SS card in your wallet!!!

Spaxman,
There is a reason that several years ago Medicare stopped using your SS number as your Medicare enrollment number,IDENTITY THEFT!

I am a "fanatic" about keeping my identity safe, shredding, etc. I have my credit information "frozen" at all three major reporting agencies... reduces the chance of identity theft, cuts down new credit card offers by 99%. Few, if any companies will extend credit to anyone, even a ID thief, if they can't run a credit check.

FYI, freezing your credit info DOES NOT protect from getting your credit card number stolen and having unauthorized charges. That said, it is a lot easier to dispute credit card charges and get a new credit card,than to rebuild credit if someone steals your entire identity, takes out loans, etc. in your name.  Disputing, and getting unauthorized charges removed from your credit card is not difficult. Rebuilding credit can take years. 

It isn't too hard to memorize an SS number (or your Driver's License number, as well)

Kevin Lewis Aug-24-2022

Reason #14,837

...to not gamble on the rez. Most people don't realize that NONE of the laws they take for granted apply there. And suing them? Hahahahaha!

Tabbycat Aug-24-2022

Wrong

The widely-believed rumor that US law does not apply on tribal land is nonsense.  All federal laws apply, including all reporting laws for gambling wins.  In fact, on most reservations most state police also have the power to enforce federal law.  Reservations do not “have their own rules and regs” regarding any federal regulations.

Question of the Day - 24 August 2022

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