Skill vs chance: Taxman the referee in online gaming, say experts

Rate at which winnings are taxed depends on level of skill applied and whether there is 'luck' involved

Topics
online gaming | Online gambling

Bindisha Sarang 

The 2020 lockdown saw the virtual world become a reality for millions. Many, like Mumbai-based M. Lal (name changed on request), spent a lot of time playing online games. “I work in the travel industry that came to a standstill during the lockdown and has not picked up yet.

Stuck at home, I play online games for entertainment. But with some games like rummy, poker, cricket, quizzes, and battleground games, you can make good money,” says Lal. According to a Deloitte India study, the amount of time spent by Indians on gaming apps increased 21 per cent during the initial lockdown, ...

Dear Reader,


Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.

As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.

Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.

Digital Editor

First Published: Fri, May 07 2021. 06:05 IST
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU