How much have I lost gambling? Get your statements and add it up
For years I didn't want to know the number. Not knowing let me keep going. The day I added it up was one of the worst days, and one of the most important. If you're ready, here's how to get the real figure and what to do with it.
The short version
- FanDuel: Your Play, then Activity Statement. Pick the products and dates, then Download Statement.
- DraftKings: contact Customer Support and ask for a Win/Loss Statement for the dates you want.
- Other apps: ask support for a win/loss or activity statement. Most will send one.
- Add it up with the calculator below. It runs only in your browser. Nothing is sent or saved.
- Then tell one person and make a plan, before the number turns into a reason to chase.
Get the real numbers
FanDuel
Open Your Play
Log in and go to Your Play, then Activity Statement.
Choose products and dates
All products or one. Use a custom range for past years.
Download Statement
FanDuel says it shows deposits, withdrawals, wagers and winnings. It isn't a tax form.
Source: FanDuel: Where can I see my Win/Loss or Player Activity Statement?
DraftKings
DraftKings' help page says to contact Customer Support directly and request a Win/Loss Statement for the period you want. Ask for every year you played.
Source: DraftKings: How do I get a Win/Loss Statement? (US)
Everyone else
Ask each app's support for a win/loss or account activity statement. If you've already self-excluded, they can usually still send it. Your bank statements are the backup: add up every deposit to a gambling app and subtract every payout.
Gambling loss calculator
Use the totals from your statements. If you don't have them yet, use your best honest guess and come back later.
What to do with the number
- Don't try to win it back. That number is the strongest urge you'll feel this week. Chasing is how a bad year becomes a bad decade. Read what to do after a big gambling loss.
- Lock the doors today. Self-exclude from every app and enroll in your state's program. Pick lifetime wherever it's offered.
- Tell one person. Here's how to tell your spouse.
- Make a money plan. Start with facing gambling debt, and call 1-800-MY-RESET (or 1-800-GAMBLER) for free help.
- Taxes: gambling winnings are taxable even if you lost overall. Losses are only deductible in limited cases. Talk to a tax professional and read IRS Topic 419.
Ninety days without a bet is a start, not a cure. The number you just saw is what the next bet is trying to make you forget. I wrote down how I got out in my book, if you want the long version.
Common questions
How do I see how much I've lost on DraftKings?
DraftKings says to contact Customer Support and request a Win/Loss Statement for the dates you want.
How do I see how much I've lost on FanDuel?
Go to Your Play, then Activity Statement, pick the products and date range, and tap Download Statement.
Is this calculator private?
Yes. It runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or saved.
Can I write off my gambling losses?
Only in limited cases, and only against winnings. Ask a tax professional and see IRS Topic 419.