GST on Online Gambling in India: A Quick Overview
As of October 1, 2023, the Government of India enforces a flat 28% GST on the full face value of bets placed on online gambling platforms. This is a significant shift from the earlier model that taxed only the gross gaming revenue (GGR).
This GST rule applies to:
- Real-money gambling apps
- Online casinos
- Fantasy sports involving entry fees
The changes are monitored by the GST Council and the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI).
✅ List of GST-Compliant Gambling Apps in India (2025)
Here are the top gambling and fantasy apps currently compliant with Indian GST regulations:
1. Dream11
- Category: Fantasy Sports
- GST Compliant: Yes
- Details: Fully GST-compliant and issues invoices for entry fees.
2. Games24x7 (RummyCircle & My11Circle)
- Category: Online Rummy, Fantasy
- GST Compliant: Yes
- Details: Re-aligned operations to fit the post-2023 GST regime.
3. A23 (Ace2Three)
- Category: Online Rummy
- GST Compliant: Yes
- Details: Registered with Indian tax authorities and applies GST to buy-ins.
4. PokerBaazi
- Category: Poker
- GST Compliant: Partially (in transition)
- Details: Moving toward full compliance; already charging GST on certain entries.
5. WinZO
- Category: Skill-based Games
- GST Compliant: In process
- Details: Restructuring pricing to incorporate GST as per latest directions.
⚠️ Apps Under Scrutiny or Non-Compliant
The following platforms are either under investigation or reportedly not GST-compliant:
- Parimatch – Accused of GST evasion and illegal operations.
- Betway India – Lacks official Indian GST registration.
- 1xBet – Operates offshore, not GST registered in India.
- Most offshore casinos and betting apps – Unregulated, non-compliant, and high-risk.
Why GST Compliance Matters for Indian Players
Using GST-compliant platforms helps you:
- Stay legally protected under Indian gaming and tax laws
- Receive proper tax invoices for all real-money transactions
- Secure your winnings and avoid future disputes or tax notices
- Play on audited platforms that follow Indian financial regulations
Expert Tips: How to Check GST Compliance
To verify if a gambling app is GST compliant, Indian users can:
- Request a GST invoice for any deposit or entry fee
- Check the app’s GSTIN via the official GST portal
- Ask support if the platform complies with the 28% GST rule
- Follow news updates from the GST Council and DGGI
Future of GST in Indian Gambling Industry
More online platforms are expected to restructure for compliance, but GST on full bet value remains controversial. Key trends to watch:
- New government guidelines for online real-money gaming
- Stricter enforcement against unregistered platforms
- Possible court cases challenging GST interpretation on skill vs chance
Conclusion
Choosing a GST-compliant gambling app in India isn’t just a legal safeguard—it’s a smart move for anyone investing real money in online games. Stick to trusted platforms that follow Indian laws, and avoid offshore or grey-market apps, no matter how lucrative they seem.
Stay compliant. Stay safe. Play responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do I need to pay GST on withdrawals?
No, GST is typically applied on deposits or contest entries. Withdrawals may be subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), not GST.
Q2. Are casino apps legal if they pay GST?
No. Even if an app pays GST, games of chance like roulette or slots are considered gambling and are banned or restricted in several Indian states.
Q3. Can I claim GST paid on gambling as input credit?
No. GST on gambling is a consumption tax and cannot be claimed as Input Tax Credit (ITC).