Indian Parliament Approves The Legislative Amendments 28% GST Tax Effective From 1st October

As per the new legislation, the 28% GST is to be levied on all horses, betting games, online casinos, and real money games…

As of August 2023: The new tax GST of 28% law got approval from the Indian parliament. The goods and services tax of 28% will be required to be applied to the whole amount of the player deposits on online casinos, and real money gaming. However, this new rule will be effective from 1st October 2023. 

The Finance Minister: These legislative changes were announced by Nirmala Sitharaman during the 50th Council meeting has announced that a month after the decision of this new rule was passed. 

She further stated that this new rule is not to damage the online gaming Industry. Because it wouldn't seem right to tax gambling the same way we tax necessary things, this action is a logical choice.

This 28% GST will be levied when there is any type of betting involved in online gaming.   

What is GST 28% Ripple Effect on Online Gaming Industry?

As per this rule, a player who participates in online gaming and spends Rs. 100 then s/he will be liable to pay a GST of Rs. 28 on every spent on the game. To put it in simple words, if you spend Rs. 100 on a game you will also be required to pay GST of 28% every time you play.

This new rule of 28% GST is to be levied on all online games that involve betting. It does not matter whether the game is skill-based or chance-based.

As the new rule will be effective from 1st October 2023, the online gaming industry stated that this rule will slash our ability to invest in new games. 

Moreover, the fantasy gaming industry also agreed to this and said- We are expected to cross the revenue of Rs. 25000 Crores by 2027 but now there can be some major consequences we may face in the future due to the new GST rule of 28%.  

Robert Landers, CEO of The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), criticized the recent decision to tax online skill games as gambling. He called it unconstitutional and warned about its negative impact on the industry and employment. The tax will apply to wagering, with online gambling facing a 28% tax and other games taxed at 18% on gross revenue.

GST Council Response: In July, Sitharaman announced higher taxes for horse racing, casinos, and online gaming. These decisions came after talks within the Council. She recently shared that the Council will review the results in six months from October 1st. This gives all businesses enough time to adjust to the new tax rules, no matter what they think about taxes.

Also Read: GST Update: GSTIN Issued An Important Advisory “Biometric Aadhaar Authentication” For Registration Applicants

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