Page 17 - Jackpot Magazine South ~ February, 2026

Players get to keep more of their jackpots
By Lori Beth Susman
VICKSBURG — Just minutes after the clock struck midnight, ushering in the new year, a guest from Brookhaven, Mississippi, won big at WaterView Casino Hotel. It was 12:03 a.m. on Jan. 1 when a Triple Nova slot machine hit a jackpot for $1,468. Not only was this the first big win of 2026 at the Vicksburg casino, but it was also the first jackpot where the new federal tax rate came into play.
For this year and going forward, the federal tax law has changed to increase the slot jackpot reporting minimum from $1,200, where it had been since 1977, to $2,000. Mike Emery, senior director of casino operations/player development at WaterView, explained thatwiththenewreportingthresholdat $2,000, jackpots of $1,200 to $1,999.99 no longer require reporting, so a $1,999 jackpot “walks away free and clear with players receiving their full payout without tax withholding or reporting.”
Emery said, “There’s no automatic federal withholding (typically 24%) on these amounts adding more money to your pocket.”
Players at all Mississippi casinos will also notice time savings, giving them more interrupted casino time. “Previously, any slot machine jackpot of $1,200 or more required the machine to be locked, casino staff to be called over, paperwork (W-2G form) to be completed, and ID
verification to occur before payment,” Emery said. “This process could take extra minutes or longer during busy periods.
“Now, jackpots between $1,200 and $1,999 can be paid without W-2G paperwork allowing players to continue their gaming experience with minimal interruption. The excitement of winning isn’t dampened by administrative delays.”
Casinos have started the process of resetting the slot machines to reflect the new threshold. This is done with a software update, Emery said. “The machines are programmed to lock and alert staff when a taxable jackpot occurs, so this threshold change requires reconfiguration across the entire casino floor. This is primarily a back- endadjustment—theactualgameplay, odds, and pay tables remain unchanged.”
Curious players may wonder if this change in reporting and the continuing software updates will lead to changes in jackpot frequency. It is important that misconception gets cleared up, Emery said. “The frequency of jackpots is not changing at all. The slot machines’ random number generators, pay tables, and odds remain the same. What’s changing is only the reporting threshold — the point at which paperwork is required, the actual probabilities and payouts are regulated and unchanged.”
Players may actually notice more mid-sized wins, he continued, because
K. Gove of Brookhaven, Miss., won $1,468 right after midnight on Jan. 1. Under new laws, she got to keep the entire jackpot without having taxes withheld. With the winner is WaterView Casino’s Mike Emery.
they will happen seamlessly without the fanfare of staff intervention.
Casinos will also benefit from this tax change as they gain operational efficiencies. “Staff can focus on customer service rather than processing routine paperwork. The floor moves more smoothly with fewer machine lockups. There’s reduced administrative burden, more time for slot personnel to spend on giving superior customer service. Players experience less friction, potentially leading to longer play sessions and return visits,” Emery said.
“It’s a rare policy change where nearly everyone comes out ahead,” he continued. “This change should create a smoother, more enjoyable casino experience while maintaining appropriate tax compliance for larger winnings.”
Queen of Olympus
William R. of Columbia, Miss., won $4,388.76 playing a Queen of Olympus slot at Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort.
Magic Treasures
Timothy P. of Vancleave, Miss., won $11,316.98 playing a Magic Treasures slot machine at Palace Casino Resort.
Super Dragon
Wesley N. of Hudson, Fla., won $11,866 playing a Super Dragon slot machine at Island View Casino.
THE SOUTH’S LARGEST GUIDE TO GAMING & FUN • www.jackpotmagazine.com
February 2026 • JACKPOT! MAGAZINE 17