Fantasy games may get same GST as gambling

GST Council is likely to consider system-led enforcement reforms

- SHRIMI CHOUDHARY

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council in its two-day meeting is likely to consider a proposal for imposing a flat 28 per cent tax on online skill gaming, bringing it on a par with betting and gambling. It had been argued that online skill gaming and gambling should not be distinguished "merely on the ground that an activity is a game of skill or chance or both".

The Council, which will meet on June 28 and June 29 in Chandigarh, may also consider bringing stringent enforcement measures under the GST regime to plug revenue leakage.

These matters on the Council's agenda are in line with the recommendations of two groups of ministers (GoMs), which are expected to table their respective reports at the Council's meeting, said two people aware of the action-packed agenda.

The GoM headed by Conrad Sangma, chief minister of Meghalaya, was tasked with examining the taxation of fantasy sports and casinos. A separate ministerial panel, headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, was asked to suggest reforms in the GST system to combat tax evasion.