Law firms [img:kyrkOumsV] write to PMO requesting to maintain current GST rate for online gaming industry.

Various law firms representing prominent online gaming companies recently wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), requesting the GST Council to maintain the current GST rate on online gaming.

The GST Council is expected to meet in mid-June and decide the rate of taxation. The report submitted by the GoM recommended 28% rate on all types of online gaming. As of now, the skill-based games are taxed at 18% while chance-based ones at 28%.

The Bombay High Court has also ruled that online gaming companies should be subjected to a tax rate of 18% as per the GST Act.

Same rate of taxation will violate the equality doctrine given in Article 14 of the Constitution. Even the Supreme Court has ruled that games of skill should not be treated in the same manner as games of chance.

The GST Council is expected to meet in mid-June and decide the rate of taxation. It remains to be seen whether the Council will heed the requests of the online gaming industry and maintain the current GST rate. [img:opnG9lyqW]

The proposed changes to the GST rate on online gaming have been met with mixed reactions from the industry. Some companies have welcomed the changes, arguing that they will help to create a level playing field for all online gaming companies.

Others have expressed concerns that the changes will make it more difficult for them to operate in India. The issue of GST on online gaming is complex and there are a number of factors that the GST Council will need to consider when making its decision.

These factors include the nature of online gaming, the potential impact on the industry, and the need to ensure a level playing field for all players.

The GST Council is a powerful body that has the ability to make significant changes to the Indian economy. Its decision on the GST rate on online gaming will have a major impact on the industry and will be closely watched by businesses and consumers alike.