Local outlet NDTV reported that the operation is estimated to be worth ₹150 crore (~$18 million), spanning multiple states, cities, platforms, and financial networks.

A Vast Operation Spanning Multiple States in India

The gambling syndicate operated more than 30 illicit betting platforms. The local authorities arrested three suspects — Nitin Paliwal, Mahesh Sharma, and Piyush Sharma — who are believed to be developers and managers of the platforms.

The platforms were created to resemble the popular Mahadev Satta app, offering wagers on cricket matches, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), as well as online casino games and regional betting formats, such as matka.

The network established by the criminal syndicate spread across the country through the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and several others.

Police Raid Brings Results

The authorities became aware of the syndicate thanks to a tip-off, and after investigating the matter, they managed to trace the financial trail to properties in multiple cities. This highlighted the deep-rooted financial infrastructure that the illegal online betting ring managed to develop before the police became aware of it.

Commenting on the matter, Alwar Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Nain said that the suspects created fake betting apps to lure players in. They then used digital channels and hawala networks to distribute the earnings. 

During the raid, members of the police force seized six Android mobile phones, two laptops, a hard drive, and an SUV containing 15 ATM cards. The police also believe that the operation features more than 60,000 agents and players from across the country.

Software Engineer Replicated Legitimate Platforms

The syndicate primarily relied on the involvement of a software engineer, whose technical expertise enabled the operation, including allowing the online betting ring to replicate legitimate betting platforms and stay under the authorities’ radar.

The software expert created mirrored websites that mimicked the UI of licensed apps, including real-time odds and payment gateways, thus creating an illusion of authenticity. The effect was convincing enough to attract both new bettors and experts with years of experience in the industry.

The three suspects were tracked down in Alwar and Mathura. The police made a breakthrough when Paliwal was intercepted as he was returning from Agra. 

The authorities managed to confiscate his devices and search them for valuable information that allowed them to map out the rest of the network, grasp the full scale of the operation, and identify the ringleaders.

The arrested individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues. The results of the investigation so far suggest that the operation had links to more cities and other betting networks.

Elsewhere in India, police in Udupi have arrested five people in a raid relating to illegal cockfighting. Five roosters were also confiscated, and 1,500 rupees of betting money was seized. Cockfighting was banned in the country in 1960.

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Four people were arrested, and a large amount of electronic and betting-related equipment was seized after a syndicate handling several lakhs of rupees daily was raided. 

Investigation Details Emerge in IPL Betting Racket Case

According to local news reports, the raid was launched after Chandigarh police received a tip-off on May 26 regarding four individuals running an illicit betting operation during a live Indian Premier League cricket match between the Mumbai Indians and the Punjab Kings XI. 

The raid, conducted at House No. 1229 in Sector 33, resulted in the arrest of four men, known as “Jolly, Deepu Pepsi, Santosh, and Bhuvan.” The police confiscated 43 mobile phones, six laptops, two tablets, one LED screen, and two routers. Authorities also found a portable ‘gamble box’ and numerous other items consistent with a betting operation. 

Reports outline that all four men were arrested under Sections 3 and 4 of the Punjab Gambling Act. Details released by police suggest that the operation was “meticulously planned and executed from a rented property.” 

The culprits broadcast IPL matches, offered real-time betting options, and had a well-established betting network through local bookmakers. 

The four men took payments exclusively offline, with cash transactions facilitated through intermediaries. According to the investigation, certain members of the syndicate were operating from Dubai, posing the risk of a wider, international operation. 

Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing, with financial records being examined and other members of the betting network being sought. 

Government and Industry at War Over Games of Skill

Gambling regulation in India varies from state to state. Recently, the Supreme Court of India has been involved in a debate between online gaming companies and the Indian government over whether games such as chess, rummy, and bridge are considered games of chance or games of skill. 

The government’s stance is that if betting is involved, the games become games of chance. This is important from a regulatory standpoint, not for prohibition, but because any games of chance are subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.

Representing industry interests, A.M. Singhvi stated: “Is the government saying that in chess, the moment I put money on it, the game metamorphosizes from a game of skill into a game of chance?” 

He continued: “The character of a game cannot be so changed.” 

The GST tax rate is 28%, so it would be a significant blow to online companies should the entire contest fee attract such taxation. 

The post Chandigarh Police Bust IPL Betting Racket, Four Arrested appeared first on CasinoBeats.

According to local reports, the relief comes in response to the platform’s legal challenges. 

Initially, the Court issued a directive ordering the petitioner to halt operations of its platform in Chhattisgarh. The platform was geo-blocked throughout the state but could continue functioning in other parts of the country until its next hearing.

Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad presided over the case, noting that the app, which offers Rummy, qualifies as a skill-based gaming platform. As such, it is allowed to continue operations under the IT Act.

The Court also questioned procedural fairness after the app was blocked nationwide with no prior notice or an opportunity for the petitioner to be heard. 

SportsBaazi Gameplay Involves Strategy and Skill

After researching the app, the Court concluded that its gameplay involves strategy, mutation, and combination elements. This allowed it to qualify as a game of skill, rather than a simple game of chance. 

The ruling also pointed out that betting and gambling fall under List-2 (State List), while the IT Act is responsible for skill-based games, which fall under List-1 (Union List). 

The distinction is important enough to prevent state authorities from having jurisdiction to impose restrictions on Sportsbaazi and similar platforms.

The company’s petition contests a directive issued by the Inspector General of Police of Chhattisgarh on May 5 this year. 

The directive instructed local internet providers and telecoms to restrict access to SportsBaazi and other specific platforms. It cited provisions under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act and the laws that govern regional gambling.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented the company and argued that it operates legally and in full compliance, given its status as a skill-based fantasy gaming platform. 

The defence further argued that the action taken against the platform was arbitrary and lacked due process. It also went beyond the state’s territorial jurisdiction, severely disrupting its business operations.

The status of skill-based games is also currently questioned in India, as the government argues that even skill-based games could be considered games of chance if betting is involved.

While the relief represents a legal victory for the platform, the ongoing government discussion reflects broader issues surrounding the legality and regulation of skill-based platforms nationwide. 

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The government representatives argue that this makes them games of chance, and that any earnings should be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Appearing before a Bench of Justices, J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, Additional Solicitor General N. Venkataraman represented the government, stating that games of skill would remain as such until bets or wagers are placed. 

Indian Government Claims Betting Transforms Game Character

Mr. Venkataraman said that betting on games of skill is statutorily considered gambling, which is the case with any type of game when wagering is included.

“Even if the outcome depends on skill, the element of uncertainty makes the act of staking money a form of wagering,” he said, as reported by The Hindu.

Senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, representing one of the gaming companies, stated that the fundamental issue in the case is the “ancient exception” given to games of skill. 

Mr. Singhvi noted that five judges and seven judges’ Benches of the constitutional courts have found that games of skill should not be categorized as chance-based.

“Is the government saying that in chess, the moment I put money on it, the game metamorphosizes from a game of skill into a game of chance? The character of a game cannot be so changed,” he argued.

Gaming Industry Defends Skill-Based Classification

The debate follows a parliamentary exchange held in late March. During the exchange, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw spoke on individual states’ jurisdiction over gaming and gambling laws.

The event followed an inquiry by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, who questioned the central Government’s stance on online gaming.

In January 2025, the apex court ordered the halt of the operation of show-cause notices worth ₹1.12 lakh crore. The notices were issued under GST proceedings against online gaming firms. The core issue revolves around whether GST applies to online gaming.

The government claims that 28% GST must apply to the total contest entry amount, meaning that the entire prize pool is subject to the tax. Gaming companies argue that GST should only be applied to the platform fees or commission, as many games are games of skill, not chance.

In 2023, the GST Council recommended that online gaming, casinos, and horse racing be taxed uniformly, making no distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

The post Indian Government Argues Betting Turns Games of Skill into Chance appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Nearly two months after the Bombay High Court rejected it, the case has reached the country’s Supreme Court.

Petitioner Challenges Repeal, Seeks Casino Licensing Rights

The Maharashtra Casinos Act proposes a licensing framework for gambling establishments that prohibits the play of casino games outside of licensed venues. It would also obligate licensed venues to pay a gambling tax.

A petitioner seeking to operate casinos in Maharashtra under the entity Dyutbhumi Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, formerly Mumbai Gambling Management Pvt, brought it before the Supreme Court.

Despite previous attempts to make the Act law, it was passed but never implemented.. In 2023, the state government repealed it. However, the petitioner argues that the repeal contravenes India’s constitution.

The court responded by claiming that the regulation was never acted upon and was instead “deeply buried.” It also called attempts to revive it an “impossibility” and “a far-fetched expectation.”

 The petitioner also seeks to review its application to operate casinos in the state. However, on 21 April, the Supreme Court decided to adjourn the case for two weeks.

The court also revealed that an application was filed to exempt the petitioner from providing a copy of the previous judgment. 

History of the Maharashtra Casinos Act

The Maharashtra Casinos Act, 1976, was drafted as the state noticed increased tourist traffic. Legalizing gambling was seen as a way to raise additional tax revenue. However, despite the Act being passed into law, casinos never proliferated throughout the state.

The question surrounding legalized casinos arose again in 2015, after a directive from the Delhi High Court, but the state government decided against it. Subsequently, the act was repealed in 2023.

Betting remains prohibited in Maharashtra under the Bombay Prevention of Gambling Act of 1887. There are only two exceptions — horse race betting and games of skill betting. Other forms of gambling cannot be legally accessed or provided without the Maharashtra Casinos Act becoming law.

However, betting is allowed in several other parts of the country, including Goa, Daman, and Sikkim. This is possible thanks to India’s Constitution, which gives states the exclusive power to make laws on matters related to betting and gambling.

Online casino operators were frustrated last year when the government refused to lower the 28% GST levy. The levy was increased from 18% previously, and attracted vast criticism from industry stakeholders. 

The post India’s Supreme Court Hears Case to Revive Maharashtra Casinos Act appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Speaking to CasinoBeats, Patel touched upon the ways Slotegrator is navigating the country’s intricate regulatory framework before highlighting the company’s upcoming webinar which will focus on helping companies looking to build a sustainable business in the sub-continent.

CasinoBeats: What is it that initially attracted you to the Indian market?   

Jashwant Patel: That’s a really good question! We are always guided by our mission to blaze trails and discover new opportunities. 

There are a few reasons you can call India a golden well of opportunity: the size of its population, the diversity of its target audience, advances in technology, a growing middle class, and a fast-growing economy. So in simple words, there is something for everyone. You just have to go with the right strategy. 

More than 750 million people — which is over 70 per cent of the population — have access to gaming devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers. Internet or mobile data access is also not an issue, with almost 700 million — and growing — internet users. More than 50 per cent of the target audience fall within the age bracket of 20-45, making it a very young market to tap into. 

India is also one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, meaning an increasing number of people have disposable income for entertainment. These figures speak volumes, especially for the online gaming industry.

CasinoBeats: In Slotegrator’s experience, what is the key to success in the Indian market?

JP: The key to success in any market is to have the facts right. Good research, the right mindset, a robust business plan, sufficient investment and — most important of all — patience can build the foundation a casino needs. 

India is very complex in terms of player demographics. Player type, age, gender, and financial situation all vary, so to succeed in the Indian market you have to find a niche and cater to the right target audience. Clientele in the Indian subcontinent can be very demanding and thrifty. 

We as a team are always looking for ways to improve our service and offerings. From research to regular communications with clients of all levels, we are learning every day. One thing that sets us apart is that we really listen to our prospects and customers and pinpoint their specific needs. 

CasinoBeats: India has previously been described as quite a lucrative market, but it comes with its own set of regulatory challenges. How has Slotegrator overcome these challenges? 

JP: The Indian market is indeed a lucrative one, but it has some hurdles to jump before it can grow to its full potential. These stem from the fact that gambling is often looked upon as a taboo or social ill even though it’s been part of Indian culture since ancient times. 

Slotegrator’s mission is to facilitate the business growth of our clients and partners. As a renowned brand in the igaming industry, every day we are working towards this mission by keeping up with current regulations, adapting our offerings, and liaising with our partners. 

Online gambling laws are still unclear — a fact that many offshore operators take advantage of. Having said that, setting up shop in India is not necessarily a walk in the park. However, our in-depth knowledge and network have helped us grow in this market, and we are committed to helping our partners operate legitimately and transparently while complying with regulations. 

While the regulatory landscape can be difficult to navigate, our jurisdictional services are more than up to the task.

CasinoBeats: What content would you say is most popular among players? And does this vary across different regions?

JP: That’s a very good question. Of course, from an operator’s point of view, having a variety of quality gaming content for players to choose from is always a good idea. 

Sports betting, fantasy sports, and live dealer/table games tend to be the most popular among players in India. The choice of content is a bit different compared to players across the globe. The most popular games among Indian players are Andar Bahar and Teen Patti. Indian Rummy is another local classic. 

These local favourites are a bit hard to find on offshore casinos, but having them for the Indian market is vital — and if online casinos can provide them through an authentic casino experience with real professional dealers in a luxurious studio setting, then all the better.

Casino classics like baccarat, roulette, and blackjack, while less popular, are still in demand — in particular roulette, given its simple rules and exciting nature. Players also turn to slot games when they’re looking for colourful features and the chance of a big jackpot. 

Far and away, the subcontinent’s most popular game is poker. However, the game’s regulatory status as a game of skill or chance remains unclear, and varies across the country. 

In addition to region of operation, age and other demographic considerations are key factors in choosing the right content. Last but not the least, marketing strategies play a crucial role in any business’s success, and igaming is no different — casinos that find the right way to reach their players dramatically increase their chances of success.

CasinoBeats: How can operators ensure that they are best meeting the needs of players across India?

JP: India is considered to have strict regulations when it comes to real money gaming and casinos. Due to blanket bans in some states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, players are not always able to access some brands or projects. However, India still has great potential in the online gambling industry, especially considering the rate at which technology is advancing.

There are a few things operators have to take care of to increase their odds of acquiring and retaining players. 

It’s important to offer a better online experience. By that I mean fast and easy onboarding, excellent UI and UX, and a lack of annoyances and distractions like unwanted sound effects.

Strong cyber security is one of the biggest priorities for the online casino industry. After all, players are trusting the platform with their personal and financial details and playing with their hard-earned money; they want to feel assured that both their money and their information is safe.

Having a licensed platform builds players’ trust and contributes to improving the industry’s overall reputation. 

As I mentioned earlier, a good variety of quality gaming content is always recommended. It gives users more options to choose from and stops them from getting bored and leaving. 

In keeping with the worldwide trend, operators should adapt to Indian players’ preference for mobile capability. It’s essential that players can easily use their mobile device to have a great experience no matter where they are. 

It’s critical to appeal to different audiences. Online gambling is available to players of a wide range of locations, genders, ages, social classes, etc. Anyone with money and a device can play. Matching players with the content they’re looking for is one of the keys to online casino success, but marketing is extra tricky when regulations are murky. However, new technologies and marketing strategies can help Indian players find the local and international brands they’re looking for. 

CasinoBeats: What does the future hold for the Indian betting market? Could we see the introduction of a central regulator or centralised gambling legislation?

JP: Wow, now that’s something we all want to know, isn’t it?  Land-based casinos are only allowed in some states, and only for certain types of games. Online gambling regulations are often confusing, but allow players to visit sites run by reputable offshore operators with a license from a well-established jurisdiction.

Indian authorities still consider these offshore companies unregulated, but one would think their profits would encourage the Indian government to consider updating its online gambling laws. India loses around $150m annually to untaxed offshore operators, and this lack of regulation also makes it hard to evaluate the true potential of the Indian market. 

In my personal opinion, centralised gambling legislation or some sort of centralised guidelines for the states would be the best way to move forward, not just to boost tax revenue but to help the economy and create jobs. In my opinion, the Indian government should fully embrace the gambling industry rather than fighting it.

CasinoBeats: And finally, can you tell us about your upcoming webinar on the Indian market — maybe give a brief overview of topics and why people should attend?

JP: Oh yes! At Slotegrator, we are always looking for ways to educate new and growing businesses. After the success of the previous webinar, we are now working on a second one covering the Indian market. The topics will focus more on understanding various different aspects of the business. 

Anyone who wants to expand or open a new business — especially if they want to learn how to make that business sustainable in the long run — will definitely get a lot out of it. There are a lot of different elements which need to be covered to make it a viable business, and we’re going to dive into as much detail as possible.

The post A ‘golden well of opportunity’: Why Slotegrator is pursuing growth in India appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Introducing the landscape in India, Tirabassi stated: “The number of gamers in India today is extremely high. It’s grown from 120m to a forecast of 310m by 2021. The market is divided into a number of legal operators. One is DFS, related to sport which was stopped during lockdown, another is Gin Rummy and the other is poker. This is what is today’s legal market. We understand there is a large unregulated market so there are a number of websites outside the country targeting players.” 

Providing the panel with the consumer’s point of view, Harshit Krishna, director of sales in Europe & LatAm at Probability Gaming commented: “From the consumer’s point of view, India is interesting. We were never in a habit of playing lots of RNG, so people are more likely to play games involving skill. So games like Rummy are more popular than slots for example. 

“The market itself is there and the players are there, but the market is not growing in a legal way. I’m hoping players can bet and that they can trust the operators. When things are legal it will be easier for players to trust and play.”  

Krishna also touched on how the Indian government could benefit from its gambling industry, adding: “If things become legal there could be huge tax income so if gambling activities become legal then it becomes a big revenue for them. As soon as it becomes legal it becomes an income for the state especially the sports betting market.”

Discussing the recent digital growth of the market, Jaydeep Chakravartty, vice president commercials at Markor Technologies, said: “What we have seen is that in the last few years there are a couple of things that have changed which are related to consumer behaviour and the Indian digital ecosystem. 

“A few years ago the government took out 86 per cent of notes in circulation and the public became suddenly very used to digital currencies. The indian market saw a huge digital growth over the last few years also and as a result online gaming has pushed themselves into the market and entered into smartphones.”

Chakravartty also looked to the future, and discussed one main challenge facing the Indian gaming market in its quest to be regulated. 

He added: “One thing that has happened is because of the internet and no regulation there is a lot of fly by operators in India right now. I have seen operators getting into morally questionable techniques. Globally we know betting is part of the entertainment industry, what’s happening in India is that rogue operators are operating gaming scams and not entertainment. 

“I see it being a big challenge on the road to our regulated environment. Gaming has to be considered as fun and entertainment and not a scam.” 

Also looking to the future, Gowree Gokhale, partner at Nishith Desai Associates gave her thoughts on how a potential regulated Indian market should be run: “For brick and mortar I think states can keep it on a state to state basis. On online however I think all states need to have a centralised law. For skill gaming I believe there also needs to be a central law as well as with sports betting. I think this is the best way forward.”

SBC Summit Barcelona – Digital takes place over four days this week (8 – 11 September) and features four main zones – Sports Betting, Casino & Gaming, Payments & Compliance, and Affiliate & Marketing – each of which have their own conference tracks, networking roundtables and interactive expo halls. 

Click here to secure your free pass for the betting & gaming industry’s largest ever virtual event. 

The post SBC Summit Barcelona: ‘Gaming has to be considered fun, not a scam’ appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Ekaterina Giganova, EvenBet Gaming CMO, shares her thoughts on why India is ‘too attractive as a market not to try’ before touching upon why the introduction of a well-thought out regulatory framework could present an attractive opportunity for foreign operators looking to expand.

How many online casino and sports betting players are there in a country with the world’s second-largest population, noted for the fact that gambling is inherited in the culture? And how many of them are visible to us and the country authorities in the situation of uncertain and controversial regulation?

India being one of the most promising igaming markets is, at the same time, also one of the toughest, for many reasons. The legal issues are a headache, with countless variations between different states and the whole online verticals banned by the federal law, not to mention the enormous size of both black and grey markets. 

The users’ preferences are not always evident for operators who used to work in Europe or North America. And the payment processing for igaming still causes difficulties for many projects.

However, India is too attractive as a market not to try. Some data suggests that right now, 10 per cent of all online gaming users are from India. According to recent surveys, 40 per cent of Internet users in the country gamble online while 80 per cent of adults make at least one bet a year. 

During the pandemic, as Business Wire India stated, online gambling in the country experienced a 21 per cent growth. India loses at least US$140m in taxes a year, due to the lack of online gaming regulation, and the market is predicted to grow to US$1bn in revenue within a few years.

How does poker fare?

Online poker is relatively lucky in India if compared to slots and most online casino games. Online casinos are officially prohibited as a form of gambling in most of the Indian states, while online poker is considered to be a game of skill and is therefore treated as neither gambling nor regulated (the same works for fantasy sports). 

This situation makes us face a lot of uncertainty: as long as the status of online poker as a game of chance or skill may be revisited by the state governments, and as far as lately some severe actions against online gambling have been taken (in Tamil Nadu and Telangana already, with more states considering similar measures), we cannot be sure that situation will stay favourable for online poker long.

At the same time, the black market of online casinos and sports betting during the pandemic is growing rapidly as never before. Without the access to the limited number of land-based casinos in four states regulating physical gambling, no horse racing (also game of skill in India), etc., this nation of heavy gamblers quickly has turned to illegal websites offering to spin a roulette, try luck in slots, or bet on one of the few sports events available.

Instead of introducing regulation, the governments propose more and more severe bans, and that doesn’t improve the situation with money spent in illegal casinos, gambling addiction, or fraud.

Regulation and the possibility to work legally and secure the business could be attractive for many local and some global operators interested in developing the Indian market. As for online poker, now its status is based on court precedents but is not fixed by law, except for five states which claim online poker as a form of gambling and either regulate (Nagaland, Sikkim) or ban it (Telangana, Andra Pradesh, Gujarat).

So, everyone entering the online market in India with whichever offering is legal here must consider either games of skill uncertain status or the possibility of the whole industry becoming illegal.

Indian players: mobile gen Z and rummy fans

We see a completely different approach to the igaming regulation, but can we also say that Indian players are different? Does the relatively legitimate status of online poker or fantasy sports affect their popularity? Are there any local preferences for the games?

Yes and no; pretty much as the rest of the world, Indian poker fans prefer Texas Hold’em, its’ Short Deck variation, and Omaha; these three game types make over 95 per cent of all poker games played. But a poker room might get a significant advantage if it also offers locally popular card games like Rummy and Teen Patti alongside poker. This combination would make a definite success recipe if the promotion strategy is right.

While marketing a poker room or a casino, one should also take into consideration that the actively playing audience here is young (if compared with North America, for example, where a huge part of online poker fans started playing during the poker boom of the noughties), mobile, and sees online gaming as a part of the lifestyle. 

No wonder that successful marketing campaigns for online casino and poker projects include using such tools as TikTok, YouTube lives and video shows, and other video marketing options, securing collaborations with local pop and rap stars, and other campaigns appealing to gen Z.

The post EvenBet Gaming: Why the Indian market is ‘too attractive not to try’ appeared first on CasinoBeats.

It’s a collaboration that looks to provide PokerBaazi players with the WPT experience and offer opportunities for Indian poker enthusiasts to participate in world-class events.

As a result, PokerBaazi will host WPT tournaments online, enabling Indian players to compete in events remotely. 

“We are proud to partner with PokerBaazi and expand our presence in India, adding to the WPT Global player base,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “India is a fast-growing market for poker, and through this collaboration, we look forward to nurturing new talent and giving Indian players a pathway to poker stardom.”

PokerBaazi currently hosts some of India’s biggest Poker tournaments like the G.O.A.T, National Poker Series India, Indian Poker Masters, and more. 

Navkiran Singh, Founder and CEO at Baazi Games (PokerBaazi), added: “We are excited to join forces with the World Poker Tour and expand further in bringing an elite poker experience to our players in India. 

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing the best opportunities and platforms for Indian players to excel on both national and global stages.”

Whilst the expansion represents an exciting new era for poker in India, there have been frustrations for operators in the market in recent times. 

Most recently the 54th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council concluded with no changes made to the 28% GST levy. 

There were widespread calls from the industry for it to be transitioned into a tax on Gross Gaming Revenue rather than deposits, in a bid to secure stability.However, these appeals have been dismissed by the governance in the region. 

For the WPT, this marked a continued effort to diversify its offerings, as it confirmed it would continue to work with Wynn Macau despite a recent setback in the region. 

Upon the cancellation of the event, an official statement from the WPT said: “Macau, which was scheduled to take place in June, will not move forward. WPT, Wynn Macau, and Allied Gaming and Entertainment regret any inconvenience or disappointment for players from around the world who were planning to travel to Macau and play in the event. 

“WPT remains committed to working with Wynn Macau and AGAE in the future to bring world-class poker tournaments back to the region.”

The post World Poker Tour celebrates landmark Indian expansion  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Increasing the levy last October, which was previously at 18%, has caused significant disruption to the Indian gaming sector and led to widespread criticism from the sector. 

The rise was officially implemented in January by regional state governor Arif Mohammed Khan and has been felt across the gambling space including  casino. 

It has also led to calls from the industry for it to be transitioned into a tax on Gross Gaming Revenue rather than deposits, in a bid to secure stability for the industry. However, these have been dismissed by the governance in the region. 

The changes have forced some major operators like Superbet, the parent company of Betway, to hastily exit the market.

Superbet stated upon departing the market: “The newly effective tax rules make the Indian market no longer commercially viable for Super Group.”

Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group, added at the time: “We are continuously evaluating evolving regulatory landscapes across the many markets we serve. 

“Informed by years of operating our geographically diverse business, we remain confident about the long-term growth opportunities in front of us.”

In order to compare the current tax regime with the economic landscape in previous years, Ernst & Young (EY) and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) published a report showcasing that India’s gambling sector attracted over $2.6bn in investments in 2019. 

The analysis then adds that there has been no capital raised from domestic or global investors since the 28% GST tax was signed into force almost a year ago. At the latest GST Council meeting however, Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Corporate Affairs, justified the levy’s adoption with the apparent increase in revenue from online gambling, which she said jumped by 412% to Rs 6,909 Crore (£628m) in the six months after the new tax threshold was introduced (November-April).

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