The good news is that even if you pay the withholding (be sure to get some sort of documentation), you can get it refunded by filing the proper reporting forms with the IRS after the end of the tax year in December. Apparently the Hard Rock is not one of them.
Many casinos provide the necessary forms and services to foreign players. Taxpayer Identification Number on an IRS Form W-8BEN to claim such treaty benefits and avoid tax withholding. You are supposed to provide the casino with a U.S. The UK does have a tax treaty with the US for gambling income, which exempts you from paying the 30% withholding. I'm pretty sure i shouldn't be paying, i told the lady at the cash desk that i'm from UK and that i shouldn't have to pay that and she didn't want to hear any of it.
I cashed in the 500 and they want 30% of that going to tax. it's my first US poker series (i'm from UK).
