On 11 July, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council decided to levy a uniform 28 percent tax on full face value for online gaming, casinos and horse-racing, in its 50th meeting.
Ever since, discussions on this step have been going on among conscious citizens and netizens. Gaming industry experts have said that the council’s decision was a retrograde step and will hurt the thriving sector. If business fraternity seems irritated over this decision and is calling it harsh, bad, and a killer blow for the gaming industry in India, then, on other hand, the common people are praising this bold decision and terming it as a good step for saving young people who easily get lured to online gaming.
In this context, 2018 batch IPS officer and DCP of Nagpur City, Mr. Archit Chandak, shared an interesting post on this latest GST step and explained how this decision of the government will help the younger generation.
He tweeted, “28% GST on online gaming, casinos, etc: This slab is mostly reserved for sin goods. Seeing a lot of tweets & discussion here. A govt’s top priority apart from raising revenues to run the country is also to disincentivise such addictions as far as possible. You can’t let the majority of the young generation be hoodwinked into believing that they can have a profitable and sustainable lifestyle playing online games, rummy poker, etc. (WHO even lists gaming addiction as mental illness). During ASP stint in rural area, have firsthand witnessed families being shattered, careers being broken & lives being devastated due to offline & online gambling.”
He further said, “Online gaming can surely be a good form of occasional entertainment but everyone knows how fast it latches on to the person as an addiction. Hence it becomes the moral responsibility of the govt to control such vices in society. Profitability of such platforms comes far, far below on the priority scale compared to the lives of millions of youngsters and citizens which can easily get destroyed. Anyway, many who get involved deeply just have to remember The House Edge mantra – The casino always wins. Have fun but stay safe!“
28% GST on online gaming, casinos etc: This slab is mostly reserved for sin goods. Seeing a lot of tweets & discussion here. A govt's top priority apart from raising revenues to run the country is also to disincentivise such addictions as far as possible. You can't let the…
— Archit Chandak (@archit_IPS) July 12, 2023
However, netizens seems be divided on his post. A user replied, “Then ban it straight away. The 28 per cent GST is not to disincentivise it but for govt to make a cut from this addiction. An addict who was betting Rs. 100 earlier will be betting Rs. 140 now, ruining himself faster. How many poor families have been saved by high taxes on liquor?”
Then ban it straight away.
— Aditya (@adt007ad_) July 12, 2023
The 28 per cent GST is not to disincentivise it but for govt to make a cut from this addiction. An addict who was betting Rs 100 earlier will be betting Rs 140 now ruining himself faster.
How many poor families have been saved by high taxes on liquor?
Another user seems to agree with him and said, “Resp sir, it is also hampering physical health of young generation due to lack of outdoor activity because they are consuming their valuable time in gaming and other online activity.”
Resp sir ,
— Atul Kadam (@AtulKad45039593) July 12, 2023
It also hampering physical health of young generation due to lack of outdoor activity because they consuming their valuable time in gaming and other online activity
