Jagannath Yathiraj, Chairman of the Bangalore Turf Club, is hopeful that there will be a positive outcome on the issue of off-course betting at the BTC, which has been suspended following the expiry of BTC’s permit on August 31.
The BTC officials held the talk with the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday, which proved inconclusive. “We are at it and will hold further talks on the issue and I am very hopeful that a positive outcome will emerge in a couple of days.”
Regarding the imposition of 28 per cent GST tax on racing, Yathiraj said the move would hit all race clubs hard and result in huge loss for the racing fraternity.
A meeting on GST, which is scheduled to be held on Sept. 9 in Hyderabad, may provide some clarity on the issue. “I am hopeful that an amicable settlement can be reached on that pressing issue also,” said Yathiraj.
The Turf authorities have already implemented 28 per cent GST on both off-course and on-course betting on gate fees.