India’s decision to maintain the 28% turnover tax on online gambling and casinos following a six-month review has sparked a mixture of reactions from the industry. On the surface, the numbers look promising—revenues have surged significantly, both for online platforms and land-based casinos. However, behind the numbers lies an industry grappling with a harsh reality: a high tax rate that could stunt future growth.
One of the biggest concerns is how this tax impacts foreign direct investment (FDI). Investors are cautious when faced with unpredictable regulatory environments, and the online gambling space in India is no exception. The spike in revenue may not be indicative of long-term industry health if it simply reflects the market adapting to new conditions rather than thriving. The fear is that such high taxes could push operators to raise prices for consumers or reduce investment in innovation—both scenarios that could hurt the sector in the long run.
The government’s stance seems to be focused on short-term revenue gains rather than fostering a robust, competitive industry. This could mean a stifled market with limited growth potential as new entrants hesitate to enter, and existing players struggle to expand. If India wants to become a global leader in the online gaming space, the tax policy may need to be revisited sooner rather than later.
