Originally Posted by
Hareeba!
not entirely correct
I'm guessing you are an Aussie?
gambling winnings are exempt from tax so long as you are not conducting a PROFESSION or BUSINESS of gambling
how much or little of your total income is from gambling is irrelevant in theory at least, although one would expect that if you are gambling as a business or profession it would be a relatively high proportion but if for example you are say a wealthy retiree with a significant income from investments or superannuation you may be held to be conducting a profession or business of gambling despite your investment income being greater than your gambling income.
on the plus side I understand that a court has never ruled in favour of the tax office against a "mere punter", i.e. one who has no direct connection with the racing or bookmaking industry