tax question

[paigowmaster]

How many hours a week do you have to gamble in order to file as a professional?

[4_2_it]

It has nothing to do with hours per week. There are many threads on this topic already in the Internet Gambling Forum.

I believe that gambling needs to be your sole (or main) source of income in order for you to qualify as a professional. When the IRS begins its crackdown on poker players (it is a matter of when, not if) it will most likely first audit the tax returns of those who file as professionals. I'm guessing a good percentage will not qualify and will work out a payment plan.