witholding taxes on winnings

[docicu3]

Originally Posted by Dunbar

Rupert, this is true only if you itemize deductions (or if you file Sch. C as a professional gambler). If you take the standard deduction, you are screwed.

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc419.html

--Dunbar

Why would you have to list yourself as a professional gambler? I was unaware that you had to list an occupation to be able to offset your capital gains from gambling. I thought you were pretty safe keeping your losing tickets and/or your logs from ADW's to document losses for evidence if your audited.