GST Council Upholds 28% Tax on Online Gaming, Casinos, and Horse Racing
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GST Council Upholds 28% Tax on Online Gaming, Casinos, and Horse Racing

The GST Council has decided to retain the 28% Goods and Services Tax on online gaming, casinos, and horse racing, providing no relief to the industry as had been previously anticipated.

PokerhubIndia.com Newsdesk

PokerhubIndia.com Newsdesk

PokerhubIndia.com Editorial

19 June 20264 min read

In its 52nd meeting, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council confirmed that the 28% GST levy on online gaming, casinos, and horse racing will remain in effect. This decision means that the industry will not receive the previously hoped-for tax relief.

Key takeaways

  • The GST Council met for its 52nd session.
  • The Council decided to retain the existing 28% GST.
  • This 28% tax applies to online gaming, casinos, and horse racing.
  • The decision provides no relief to the affected industries.
Goa remains India's premier live-poker destination.
Goa remains India's premier live-poker destination.

What happened

The GST Council convened its 52nd meeting to discuss various tax-related matters. Among the topics addressed was the Goods and Services Tax applied to the online gaming, casino, and horse racing sectors.

Despite expectations from the industry for a potential revision or reduction, the Council ultimately opted to maintain the current tax rate. This means the 28% GST will continue to be levied on these activities moving forward.

Indian context

This decision is particularly relevant for the Indian skill-gaming and related industries, which have been navigating the implications of the 28% GST rate. The retention of this rate indicates the Council's firm stance on the taxation of these activities within India.

Source: Livemint — read the full original report.