Betting, online gaming take center stage: Maharashtra unveils bold GST move in amendment bill

Nagpur: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar introduced a significant amendment bill in the Assembly on Thursday. The proposed amendment aims to categorize online gaming, betting, casinos, horse racing, and lottery under the highest GST bracket, which stands at 28 percent.

Ajit Pawar, who also oversees the finance portfolio, presented the bill for consideration. The amendment targets the Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act of 2017 and is slated for discussion during the ongoing winter session of the state legislature. Upon approval by the lower house, the bill will progress to the Legislative Council for voting and final approval.

The envisaged changes seek to place a variety of new services within the highest GST bracket, providing the state with a fresh avenue for revenue generation once the legislation is enacted into law.

A spokesperson from the finance department highlighted the substantial turnover associated with these services, amounting to thousands of crores. The imposition of taxes on these activities is expected to significantly contribute to the state's financial resources, marking a noteworthy development in revenue generation.

(With agency input)