Crafting skill, counting stakes: The new rules of online gaming
ArticleNearly a decade into GST, few disputes have tested the frontiers of tax, constitutional law and the digital economy as deeply as the online gaming dispute.
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The online gaming industry has seen significant transformation, despite ongoing hurdles in the regulatory landscape, ecosystem limitations, and varying purchasing power. The key drivers of this transformation include increased investment from venture capital firms in local startups, the widespread use of smartphones, affordable data rates, and the adoption of UPI and digital payment methods.
Technological advancements, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual reality, web3, and blockchain have further enhanced the gaming experience, making it more immersive, life-like, and enjoyable.
However, like any emerging industry, the gaming sector is confronted with various challenges, including taxation and regulatory issues. At Grant Thornton Bharat, we are uniquely positioned to accompany you on your growth journey and help you navigate and resolve these challenges effectively.
We craft a comprehensive regulatory and compliance framework.
Our strategy supports a shift towards a culture of risk management.
Our leadership team brings extensive experience in the gaming sector, encompassing diverse business models and frameworks.
Recent regulatory changes have transformed the compliance environment for online gaming platforms and intermediaries. Grant Thornton Bharat’s gaming vertical provides a robust regulatory assessment and compliance framework, allowing gaming intermediaries to redirect their focus from compliance to fostering product innovation and expansion.
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A comprehensive audit evaluating gaming operators across 200+ parameters, including compliance, responsible gaming, safe advertising, KYC, Data protection, financial integrity and more. Each receives a detailed scorecard and roadmap to support self-regulation and regulatory readiness.
Facilitating mergers and acquisitions for online gaming intermediaries (OGIs)
Streamlining organisational restructuring and due diligence
On-site assistance and guidance to global entrants
Pre-assessment of games for SRB approval and statistical analysis to determine skill preponderance
Regulatory assessment and compliance framework carefully tailored to ensure strict adherence to the rules
Comprehensive guidance and advisory for implementation of 28% GST on full face value
Realignment of product structure and accounting practices to ensure compliance while minimising impact on end-users
Nearly a decade into GST, few disputes have tested the frontiers of tax, constitutional law and the digital economy as deeply as the online gaming dispute.
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India’s new online gaming rules introduce a unified classification and central oversight, shifting regulation to money flows and forcing a reset of business models across the sector.