Hi WoohooSue, ya know I had this same tax problem last year. My husband won $2800.00. Here in California if you have a casino winning the only form you can use is a 1040. I found that in filing the 1040 is not much difference then the 1040A if you do not itemize. Still you can claim the amount of winnings as losses. The only thing was, if there was an audit, to be prepared. You have the card proving your losses. It doesn't hurt to try filling the 1040 out just to see. The only thing it can cost you is about 45 min. But it could poss save you $300 bucks. : )

Just a thought! : ) Now I am gonna go read the rest of your post. lol