It’s a big problem that people are not doing their duty regarding taxes. A system must be established to identify winners at ticket counters when a certain amount of money is paid out, and also to allow national tax authorities to have access to the winners’ information. Gambling operators must improve the current situation so that tax is paid properly.

Folk don't get to write off their loses to the taxman do they?

Not fair. Gambling should be tax exempt. That gambling money has already been taxed.

Folk don't get to write off their loses to the taxman do they?

> Not fair. Gambling should be tax exempt. That gambling money has already been taxed.

Excellent point! If you are going to tax winnings then you need to give a tax rebate to those who lose.

As if Japan doesn't tax it's citizens enough. And then the oafs of the LDP have the audacity to complain about people not having enough children.

And one more thing Mr. Morinobu, before you go on about the people who don't declare their taxes from gambling, perhaps you might want to spare a thought to Masuzoe who embezzled money from the people of Tokyo and retired with a hefty bonus. Or how about the PM, whose various scandals,and going around the world throwing money at dictators to curry their approval has hurt the Japanese economy more than anything.

Or the wasteful spending for the Tokyo Olympics, or the even more wasteful spending on the stupid whaling program that also drains Japan's coffers.. I could go on..

Yes agree with the above.

If winnings are regarded as the proceeds of risk investment and are taxable, then surely losses would attract some kind of rebate for an investment loss.

And can that figure be correct -￥12.7 billion? That's only $120million. There is no way that reflects the total winnings of the legal racing/ gambling industry for 1 year. I can't even imagine the splurge there must be on a race like the Japan Cup for example and the consequent payout.

Maybe I'm missing something. Anyone know more?

I'm betting far far more money is lost than won. So getting any sympathy for your loses from the taxman ain't gonna happen. I asked the question but we all knew the answer.

Maybeperhapsyes : you really nail it ! My comment: The case for taxing gamblers is to pervent black market money or laundring in worst cases . And I agree, Gamble losses should be refunded at a decent lower rate than the Tax on gains. Just like in Stocks. The Refund of loss would also at best case help those with gambling issues. Playing away everything they got , for kicks . The Govs will then have better control over illegal markets .