Decision may be taken soon regarding GST on casinos, online games and horse racing
A decision on imposing GST on casinos, online games and horse racing is likely to come this week. The Group of Ministers is likely to submit its report to the GST Council this week. Finance ministers of many states have been included in this panel formed by the GST Council. It can give its report in the coming 7 to 10 days.
Actually, casino, online games and horse racing, these three games are not the same. Their rules and modes of play are also different. At present, all the objections and suggestions related to these are being examined. The group will then submit its report to the council, which will decide on the tax regime.
Earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had deferred the decision to impose 28 per cent GST on casinos, online games, horse racing and lotteries in the GST Council meeting held in June. After objections from some states, the Group of Ministers was asked to consider it once again.
The ministerial panel had earlier suggested levying 28 per cent GST on their sale price, as horse racing, online gaming and casinos are treated at par with betting or gambling.
The GoM also includes Goa Panchayati Raj Minister Mauvin Godinho, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister P Thiaga Rajan, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna and Telangana Finance Minister T Harish Rao. PLC/GT
