Retrospective Taxes Looms A Big Threat Over India's Real-Money Gaming Sector; Ashneer Grover Voices Concern
- Posted on September 27, 2023
- News
- By Sanchi
- 232 Views
India's flourishing real-money gaming industry is under the shadow of retrospective tax notices and a looming 28 percent GST tax regime that could prove detrimental to its future. These developments have sparked considerable concern within the gaming community, including notable figures like Ashneer Grover.
Ashneer Grover, known for his candid remarks, expressed his curiosity about the rationale behind these tax notices, stating that he is intrigued by the thinking process of the people who send these tax notices.
The outspoken Grover likened the situation to a game of Monopoly, suggesting, "The only explanation is there is no explanation. It is only a game of Monopoly."
The gaming community is on edge as these retrospective tax demands, combined with the impending GST regime, threaten the viability of the sector. Executives within the industry have warned that even the liquidation of the entire gaming sector wouldn't cover the colossal tax demands. These looming financial burdens could lead to the destruction of balance sheets, potentially crippling gaming operations.
One high-profile case illustrating the severity of the issue is Dream Sports, the parent company of fantasy sports giant Dream11, facing a tax demand of over Rs 1,000 crore for alleged GST evasion. Industry sources speculate that this demand could escalate to an astronomical Rs 40,000 crore.
The gaming industry, a significant contributor to India's digital economy, has drawn substantial investments, both domestic and foreign. The fear is that this new tax regime could deter future investments, lead to job losses, and negatively impact the broader media and entertainment sector.
As the sector anxiously awaits a Supreme Court ruling on the GST matter and grapples with the uncertainty of these tax demands, the future of India's real-money gaming industry remains uncertain. The voices of top gamers and renowned personalities like Ashneer Grover underscore the profound concerns echoing throughout the gaming community.
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