India is reportedly considering a 40% GST rate for real-money gaming as part of proposed tax reforms, according to an official cited in media coverage. The GST Council is expected to make a final decision in October; the proposal would follow the application of a 28% rate to gaming operations in 2023.
The proposed GST increase could raise costs for real-money gaming businesses serving India.
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India’s federal ban on real-money games is disrupting the online gaming industry, and companies are concerned that strict penalties could also affect activities considered legal, including esports and social gaming. The commentary says the law has prompted operators to leave the country, while questions remain about the scope of its impact on those sectors.
India’s law banning real-money gambling took effect on 1 October 2025. A promotional commentary argues the ban could reduce investment in sport and push users towards offshore gambling, while citing estimates of the sector’s former tax contribution and potential economic gains from legalisation.
An industry commentary said India's legislative shift away from online real-money games could create opportunities in esports and social gaming. It pointed to operators already active in those areas as potential participants, but gave no market figures or specific legislative provisions.
Real-money gaming apps remain available on Apple’s App Store in India despite the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, while major platforms including Dream11 and MPL have halted services. The law covers games involving entry fees, deposits or stakes for financial returns; the source says regulators are examining platform compliance, but identifies no specific authority or decision.
India’s parliament banned real-money online gaming last month under the 2025 Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill. The law criminalises online play for money and its promotion, bars banks and payment providers from processing cash-game transactions, and sets penalties including fines and up to five years in jail. Critics warn the ban could push players towards unregulated offshore sites; Indian gaming company A23 has challenged the law.