Many casinos offer your pokies winnings in the form of annuity payments. This often happens if you have some big win like a lottery win of million dollars or jackpot pokies win. They even ask you as to how you want to cash out your wins either in lump sum or annuity. Both payout options are subject to inflation and can be cashed in for immediate money.
The reason casinos offer pokies winnings as annuity payment
As your wins are a large sum of money in case it comes along with a number of tax implications. You have to make wise financial decisions, specifically when choosing the best payout method. The winnings are placed in a structured settlement; providing consistent payments for a determined period of time; as an annuity to honor your financial decisions.
Also, if you prefer to have all the wins at once; then as a winner, you can choose to sell a portion or all of their casino settlement; in exchange for a lump sum of cash. If you are in urgent need of huge money; then you can take a one-time lump sum. But receiving a lump sum payment can also negatively influence spending and saving habits.
The lump-sum payments are taxed as ordinary income, though you only have to pay them one time thus receiving casino winnings as a structured settlement provides a controlled income stream over a longer period. Payments are not taxed until they are disbursed, allowing for interest to accrue over time.
Thus the online casinos also offer annuity as one of the options to cash out your big wins.
Do all wins apply for annuity payment at casinos?
It depends on the winning amount as well as the game you have won. Often if the winnings are $25,000 or less, winners can choose between cash or check. If the winnings are larger, the options may change depending on the location of the casino and the game gambled upon.
Some games allow for a lump sum disbursement, where the money is paid upfront. Other games disburse winnings through an annuity, where the money is paid in installments. Often, winners have up to 90 days to decide whether they want a lump sum or annuity, though in some cases they are not given a disbursement option, and only a lump sum is offered.
All winnings from lottery payouts, poker tournaments, horse races, and pokies machines are taxable in many countries. Click here to know whether gambling wins are taxed or not in Australia.
Since each country has its own set of regulations for gambling taxes, be sure to pay close attention to the local requirements before filing your next tax return. For certain games and for larger winnings, winners will need to file a tax form.
Is Annuity payment best to get back your wins?
If you have won a jackpot game you need to choose whether you want the wins in a lump sum or an annuity payment.
You can consult with a certified financial planner, tax attorney, or certified public accountant to help determine the best decision.
Each payout method comes with its own set of tax implications, including higher interest rates. Choosing how to receive your winnings determines how much you cash in.
If you choose the lump sum option then it means settling for cash at a discounted rate of 50 to 60 percent of the total winnings. The lump-sum discount rate is determined through either the current prime rate or a rate formulated from Treasury securities chosen by the licensee.
Pay tax on your winnings
While this option provides a bulk of cash all at once, winners have to pay taxes on the sum in its entirety the same year it is distributed. However, the taxes are paid only once.
Claiming a casino annuity means committing your winnings to a long-term payment plan that can take 20 to 30 years to fully disburse. This guarantees an additional income stream over time. In such cases, winnings are paid at the minimum amount annually.
Annuity payment is the best option if you don’t need a huge sum for an urgent personal need.
Remember finally that when cashing out in annuity or lump sum you need to provide your identification, country of residence status, and other such details which the casino will provide you and help you in documentation to get back your wins easily. If you are ever in doubt always ask the customer support team as to how they give the winnings. Also, consult your lawyer or a financial advisor who will guide you the best according to your country’s laws.
