THE BEAST

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The online gambling scene is booming in India right now. With Indian online casinos being more accessible and internet connections becoming increasingly reliable, the number of players who are getting in on the action is only rising each day. Given the massive potential prizes on offer, it’s hardly a surprise. However, if you’re new to the Indian online casino world though, there’s a vital piece of information you need to know, and it relates to your winnings. Essentially, it comes down to one word - tax.

That’s why, in this article, we’ll be covering how it affects online casino players in India. Granted, it might not sound like the most exciting topic, but it’s an important one. So, if you’re planning to gamble online, we highly recommend taking the time to learn more about the subject. It’s definitely worth knowing about before cashing out your first big win.

Taxation on Winnings: The Cost of Winning At Indian Online Casinos

So, you’ve decided to join an Indian online casino. You’ve signed up, made a deposit and managed to secure a big win. It’s time to celebrate, right? Well, ultimately, yes it is. Before you start spending your winnings though, hold on for one second. You’re going to have to factor in the tax.

In India, earnings you receive from any type of gambling, whether it be land-based or online, face a 30% tax under section 115BB of the Income Tax Act. It’s a fixed rate, regardless of your income status. So, whatever your net winnings are, when you make a withdrawal, the tax will apply to that amount. Still with us? Great, let’s move on to what that means for you.

Now, here’s where some players get confused. Contrary to popular assumptions, online casinos do not deduct tax when you request a withdrawal. It falls to you to declare any winnings you earn from online gambling in your Income Tax Return (ITR) under ‘Income from Other Sources’. This includes the total amount you receive from your winnings, any bonuses or referral rewards and any other incentives offered by the online gaming platform.

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Tax on Winnings: The Numbers

Now that we’ve got the legislation out of the way, we’ll take a look at a hypothetical scenario. Let’s say you’ve settled down for a session at your favourite online casino. You make a deposit and load up your favourite game. There are a few ups and downs along the way, as is often the case, but all of a sudden, thanks to a high-paying bonus feature, you find yourself ₹5 Lakh up. Now, it’s time to withdraw your winnings.

So, considering the tax obligation, how much do you actually win? Well, at a 30% rate, you’ll need to pay roughly ₹150,000 in tax, which leaves you ₹350,000. Of course, it’s still a fantastic result but it does take some of the shine off. Unfortunately, though, that’s currently the cost of playing and winning at online casinos in India. If anything changes in future, we’ll be sure to keep you updated!

Tips For Responsible Gambling and Better Financial Control

Given the tax implications, it’s wise to have a financial plan when playing at Indian online casinos. Of course, the tax costs come afterwards but you can still prepare beforehand to maintain tight control over your budget. Here are our top tips:

• Set limits: Before you start playing, have a financial plan. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and don’t go above it. Likewise, set a goal for the amount you’d like to win. If you reach either target, walk away.

• Understand how much tax you have to pay: We understand how exciting it is to hit a huge win. If you do, take a moment to factor in how tax will affect your winnings. Essentially, don’t start spending the money in your head before it reaches your account and you’ve set aside the necessary amount you need to pay. Always be sensible with your money.

• Take a break: Gambling can be incredibly fun but it can also potentially lead to addiction. So, it’s a good idea to take the occasional break. It doesn’t matter if you’re currently on a hot streak or have suffered a recent loss, take some time off and refresh. You can always play another day.

Conclusion

The thrill of winning is an amazing feeling, so take the time to appreciate your victories when they come around. However, don’t let them distract you from your financial obligations. When withdrawing, set aside the required amount for tax purposes then you won’t need to worry about it later on.

Of course, we wish such hefty taxes weren’t applied to online casino winnings in India, but that's just the current state of affairs. Ultimately, you need to remember that India’s iGaming market is still evolving. So the best thing you can do to ensure a seamless experience is to stay informed.