28% GST impact — are platforms passing the cost to players?

Since the 28% GST kicked in on October 1, 2023, I've noticed platforms quietly passing the cost to players. Here's what changed for me:

• Higher rake: Poker rake went from 5% to 8-10% on most platforms
• Smaller bonuses: Welcome bonuses dropped ~30% and wagering requirements increased
• Tournament fees up: A tournament that was ₹100 entry is now ₹120-130 for the same prize pool
• Less promotions: Daily/weekly promotions have become significantly less generous

The 28% is on deposits, not on platform revenue. So on a ₹1,000 deposit, ₹280 goes to GST before you even play. Platforms are absorbing some of this cost but passing 50-60% to players.

The math is brutal. Before October 2023, GST was 18% on platform commission (GGR = ~10-15% of deposits). Effective tax was ~2% of deposits. Now it's 28% of full deposits. That's a ~14x increase in effective taxation.

GameHubs Research estimates that the industry lost 15-20% of casual players in the first 6 months after the new GST. The players who remain are more serious/higher-spending.

I've definitely felt it in rummy. The same stake levels feel less rewarding because platforms take a bigger cut. I now play fewer games per session but at slightly higher stakes to make it worthwhile.

The industry needs to lobby for GGR-based GST like the UK model. 28% on deposits is killing the ecosystem.