The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has decided to amend central and state laws from October 1 to implement a 28% tax on online gaming, casinos and horse racing. The tax will be applied not to each value of the bets placed but to the entry amount that users pay.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at a briefing that the new regime will be reviewed after six months of implementation.

There will be an income tax on winning as per the law. The GST Council also has decided to amend the integrated GST Act related to importing goods and services. Offshore money gaming platforms that do not comply with the requirement will also be blocked.

The coucil has decided to go ahead with the decision without a vote despite opposition from Goa, Sikkim and Delhi.

Sitharaman also noted that the provision may be considered in the ongoing session of Parliament.

In July, the  GST Council announced its decision to levy a 28% GST on online gaming.  The decision is based on the interim report prepared by the Group of Ministers who together form the GST Council.