The government is cracking down on offshore online money gaming platforms that are endorsed by Bollywood actors, cricketers, and social media influencers due to financial and national security concerns. The finance ministry’s tax enforcement agency has blocked 357 illegal offshore gaming entities, frozen ₹126 crore, and blocked 2,400 bank accounts. In a statement, the ministry warned the public to remain cautious and not engage with such platforms, especially as the IPL season approaches. They emphasized the importance of choosing regulated platforms for responsible gaming.
The Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) has also launched operations against Indian nationals running online money gaming platforms from outside the country. They have blocked 166 mule accounts linked to these platforms and arrested three individuals. The DGGI is intensifying its enforcement actions against offshore online gaming entities, with around 700 entities under its scanner.
Entities operating in the online money gaming industry are required to register under GST and are subject to a 28% tax. The government is cracking down on entities that evade taxes and engage in illegal activities. Investigations have revealed that these companies use mule bank accounts to process transactions, which poses a risk to national security.
The finance ministry reiterated its concern about celebrity endorsements and advised the public to stay away from offshore online money gaming platforms. The ministry emphasized the importance of staying informed and choosing regulated platforms to ensure responsible gaming. The crackdown on these illegal platforms aims to protect consumers’ personal finances and national security.
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