GST Council clears the way for taxing offshore gaming companies; experts divided on its impact

For quite some time now, companies like 1XBet, DafaBet, Fairplay, Parimatch, and Betway have been ramping up their advertising efforts in India, coinciding with the action-packed events like Indian Premier League cricket season, World Cup and others. In fact, they have been using the GST chaos for moment marketing purposes as well. Platforms like Fairplay have been using influencers to promote features such as '24X7 winning withdrawal, no GST, and referral code bonuses’.

The council recommended inserting a specific provision in the IGST Act, 2017, to provide for liability to pay GST on the supply of online money gaming by a supplier located outside India.

GST Council decision on online gaming: Industry voices concerns and hopes for future review

The Supreme Court recently stayed the Karnataka High Court's judgment that had quashed the GST department's show-cause notice to Gameskraft in May 2023. (Representative image by Michał Parzuchowski via Unsplash)

While re-strategising business models might be an option for the larger players, for the smaller online gaming enterprises, the weight of taxation could prove to be insurmountable as per stakeholders.

MSMEs will no longer be able to survive in the face of the increased tax liability of 400-500 percent: AIGF

In the letter, Chandra alleged that hasty steps are being taken in the merger process and the SEBI investigations do not bother him as much as the timing of the new notice. (Image via Twitter)

E-Gaming Federation (EGF) and FIFS (Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports) said the burdensome increase in GST will set the Indian online gaming industry back several years.

INDIA alliance is a master strategy in political branding, say experts

These campaigns have employed various strategies such as catchy slogans, celebrity endorsements and emotional appeals to create a buzz and attract voter’s attention at a large scale. (Image sourced via Twitter (X))

According to experts, the name comes with a tremendous recall and brand loyalty. It is not something that needs to be created but exists in the hearts of voters.

GST Council’s meeting today: What’s at stake for online gaming industry

Structural shifts toward a higher propensity to pay for in-game features and the burgeoning popularity of casual and midcore games are poised to play pivotal roles in shaping the landscape by FY28. (Representative Image via Unsplash)

The gaming industry is hopeful that the government will consider their concerns and arrive at a fair and sustainable decision for the valuation of GST on online gaming platforms.

Influencers collab with offshore betting firms to promote ‘No GST’ wins

For global citizens their top three most trusted professions were doctors (58%), scientists (56%) and teachers (54%). The professions that stepped up the most during the pandemic, scientists who made the vaccines, doctors who put their lives at risk to treat patients and teachers who taught remotely. (Image source: Unsplash)

Influencers are charging up to Rs1 lakh for videos promoting features such as 24X7 winning withdrawal, no GST, and referral code bonuses

Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023: What you need to know

The bill prohibits carrying out or abetting the unauthorised recording and unauthorised exhibition of films. Certain exemptions under the Copyright Act, 1957 will also apply to these offences. The 1957 Act allows limited use of copyrighted content without owner’s authorisation in specified cases such as private or personal use, reporting of current affairs, or review or critique of that work. (Representational image from Unsplash)

The Bill, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, is focused on fighting piracy. However, it also includes other changes.

Rajya Sabha passes Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023

Minister for Information and Broadcasting carrying forward the vision of the PM, also recognised the Indian Cinema being a significant contributor to India's soft power, promoting Indian culture, society, and values globally.

After the pandemic and the reopening of theaters, there has been a concerning 62 percent surge in online film piracy.

DPIIT directs Copyright Societies to comply with Copyright Act 1957 to avoid legal action

Canal+, Havas and Lagardère are currently experiencing strong growth in an international context marked by numerous investment opportunities.(Representative Image: AbsolutVision via Unsplash)

DPIIT has received numerous complaints from the public and stakeholders about Copyright Societies collecting royalties for music and sound recordings at marriage functions.