Sweepstakes Poker
with No Sales Tax
Two major operators now charge sales tax on GC purchases. Here is what that costs you and which platforms do not.
Disclosure
PlasmaPoker publishes this article. We do not currently charge sales tax. We present factual comparisons using publicly available pricing data from each platform.
In 2025-2026, sweepstakes poker operators began adding sales tax to Gold Coin purchases for the first time. This quiet change adds 4-10% to every purchase depending on your state. Here is what you need to know.
The Sales Tax Timeline
No sales tax on any sweepstakes platform
All major operators treated Gold Coin purchases as promotional products not subject to state sales tax.
Global Poker adds sales tax
First operator to charge sales tax on GC packages. Players in high-tax states saw 6-10% added to purchases.
ClubWPT Gold adds sales tax
Second major operator to add tax. Effective April 1, 2026. Players are not happy.
PlasmaPoker: no sales tax
PlasmaPoker does not charge sales tax on Gold Coin purchases. The advertised price is the checkout price.
What Sales Tax Actually Costs You
Sales tax varies by state. Here is what you pay extra on a $49.99 Gold Coin package with tax vs. without:
| State | Tax Rate | Extra on $49.99 | Annual Cost (monthly buyer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 9.55% | +$4.77 | +$57.29 |
| Louisiana | 9.56% | +$4.78 | +$57.33 |
| Arkansas | 9.47% | +$4.73 | +$56.82 |
| Alabama | 9.29% | +$4.64 | +$55.73 |
| Washington | 9.29% | +$4.64 | +$55.73 |
| Illinois | 8.82% | +$4.41 | +$52.90 |
| Texas | 8.20% | +$4.10 | +$49.18 |
| New York | 8.52% | +$4.26 | +$51.11 |
| Florida | 7.02% | +$3.51 | +$42.11 |
Bottom line
A regular player buying one $49.99 package per month pays $42-57 extra per year in sales tax on platforms that charge it. Frequent buyers or high-roller packages multiply this significantly. On a $499.99 package, you are paying $40-48 in tax per purchase.
Which Platforms Charge Sales Tax?
| Platform | Sales Tax? | Since | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Poker | Yes | July 2025 | First to add, state-dependent rates |
| ClubWPT Gold | Yes | April 2026 | Added April 1, 2026 |
| Stake.us | Varies | - | Only in 31 states, varies by state |
| Chumba Casino | Varies | - | State-dependent |
| PlasmaPoker | No | - | Price shown = price paid |
Platforms with No Sales Tax
PlasmaPoker is the only major sweepstakes poker platform that currently does not add sales tax to Gold Coin purchases. Our pricing model is simple: the price on the package is the price at checkout.
With sales tax (Global Poker)
$49.99 + $4.41 tax
= $54.40 actual checkout (Illinois)
No sales tax (PlasmaPoker)
$49.99
= $49.99 actual checkout (everywhere)
Why Do Some Platforms Charge Tax and Others Don't?
The legal classification of Gold Coins is ambiguous. Some operators treat GC purchases as taxable digital goods. Others classify them as promotional products or entertainment credits not subject to sales tax.
There is no federal standard, and state tax authorities have not universally ruled on sweepstakes currency. The operators adding tax may be doing so proactively to avoid future tax liability, or they may have received specific guidance from state tax authorities.
PlasmaPoker's current position: Gold Coins are a promotional product used for entertainment. We do not add sales tax. If this changes due to regulation, we will be transparent about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will PlasmaPoker ever add sales tax?
If state regulations require it, we will comply. But we will always be transparent about pricing. We will not add surprise taxes at checkout.
Is sales tax on Gold Coins legal?
The legality varies by state. Some states have clear digital goods taxation that may apply. Others do not. Operators make their own compliance decisions. We recommend consulting a tax professional for your specific situation.
Do I have to report sweepstakes winnings on my taxes?
Sweep Coin redemptions may be taxable income. Consult a tax professional. This is separate from the sales tax issue — sales tax is charged at purchase, income tax applies to prize redemptions.
No Hidden Taxes. No Surprises.
PlasmaPoker: the price you see is the price you pay. Provably fair poker + 39 slots, available in 42 states.