Tax law changes: poker pros might be drawing dead.
Lee Jones warns tournament grinders on PokerOrg that the 2026 US tax law could be a real game-changer. The short version: starting in 2026, players have to report all their winnings, but can only claim 90 percent of their losses. That means even if you break even at the felt, the IRS still expects a cut.
But for mid-stakes and high-roller events, the impact could be severe. Pros who live off the tournament circuit will have to take a hard look at whether the grind is still worth it.
