Good morning. Build it and they will come, to collect their tax dollars. India has chosen to target its lucrative gaming firms by imposing a 28 percent GST tax on their earnings, to the potential detriment of the sector’s growth. At least that is the appeal in courts, which may only be offering a slight reprieve, as it appears unlikely that the official position will change, warns an expert. Meanwhile, Thailand’s casino plans may be hitting a bump in the road, as a former Prime Minister puts his weight behind annulling the country’s gaming legislation aspirations.
What you need to know
- A major reduction in tax burdens for gaming companies in India is still unlikely, even if they succeed in their court appeals, says an expert.
- Ex-PM Abhisit opposes Thailand’s casino legalization, urging stronger regulation to prevent social harm and crime.
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AGB Intelligence
INDIA
Tax burden reduction unlikely: expert
Appeals are ongoing, as the implementation of a staggering 28 percent GST tax on gaming companies in India has been met with harsh criticism and vitriol. But gaming firms aren’t yet out of the hot water, as authorities are unlikely to reduce the tax in the long term. Current court battles are going well for some firms, but they may only be getting a temporary reprieve, as the government is enjoying the windfall, notes expert David Pinto, cautioning that any current bandage is likely to be later removed.
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