Poker Winnings Tax Calculator UK
UK poker winnings are generally tax-free — but could HMRC classify you as a professional trader? Check your tax position based on winnings, frequency, and income.
Poker Winnings Tax Calculator UK
Frequently Asked Questions
No — UK courts and HMRC have consistently accepted that poker is gambling, not a trade. Poker winnings are completely tax-free for UK residents, even for full-time professional poker players who earn millions. The landmark case (Graham v Green 1925) established that gambling is not a trade.
HMRC has tried to tax professional poker players as traders in several cases and lost repeatedly in the courts. The principle that gambling (including poker) cannot be a 'trade' for tax purposes is well established in UK law. However, income from poker coaching, sponsorship deals, or streaming is separately taxable.
Yes — income from teaching poker, writing poker strategy books, streaming on Twitch, YouTube ad revenue from poker content, and sponsorship from poker operators are all separately taxable as self-employment income. Keep these separate from your actual winnings.
Professional poker players with no other taxable income do not need to file Self Assessment purely for poker winnings. However, if they have sponsorship income, coaching fees, streaming revenue, or other taxable income, they must file. Good records are still strongly recommended.
Both are tax-free in the UK. Poker is gambling with skill; spread betting is gambling on financial markets. Unlike CFD trading (which is taxable), spread betting profits are completely CGT and income tax free because they're legally classified as gambling.
No — online and live poker winnings are both completely tax-free for UK residents. The physical or virtual nature of the game doesn't affect the tax treatment.
If you have a poker 'backer' (financial backer in exchange for a share of winnings), the arrangement could have contractual implications. The backer's share of winnings is generally not deductible for you, and the backer receiving their share is also not taxable for them — as it's still gambling winnings.
No — UK residents are taxed on worldwide income, but since poker winnings aren't income, foreign site winnings are also tax-free. However, if a foreign country withholds tax on tournament winnings, double tax treaty rules may allow you to reclaim it.
Even though winnings are tax-free, keep records of: tournament results (HendonMob, Cardplayer), online site statements, buy-in receipts, travel costs to tournaments, and separate tracking of coaching/sponsorship income. Records protect you if HMRC ever questions your finances.
Significantly. The USA taxes gambling winnings at ordinary income rates. Germany and some EU countries tax professional gambling. Australia has no gambling tax for individuals. Check local tax rules if you play tournaments abroad.
Poker staking (where investors fund your buy-ins for a share of winnings) is a common arrangement. For UK tax purposes, the overall staking arrangement is still gambling — neither the player nor the staker pays tax on winnings. Get professional advice for complex multi-party backing arrangements.
No — since poker winnings aren't taxable income, there's nothing to deduct expenses against. You cannot claim travel, accommodation, or other costs as a tax deduction for poker activities (unless you have separate taxable poker-related income like coaching).