Goa’s Casino Industry Faces Turmoil as GST Council Imposes 40% Levy

Panaji, Sep 2025 : The next-generation GST reforms announced by the GST Council may have eased compliance for many sectors, but Goa’s booming casino industry is facing a major setback. Industry leaders warn that the newly imposed 40% GST slab on luxury and demerit services—covering casinos, betting, lotteries, horse racing, gambling, IPL match admissions, and online money games—could severely impact operations, jobs, and revenues.

Delta Corp Chairman Jaydev Mody described the move as potentially making the sector “unviable.” He cautioned that the levy would hurt tourism, reduce state revenues, and jeopardize thousands of jobs, while also making redundant the heavy investments already poured into casino infrastructure.

The immediate impact was visible in the stock market, with Delta Corp shares tumbling 8% on Thursday. The company, which operates the popular Deltin brand, has reportedly suspended its ambitious Rs 2,000–2,500 crore integrated resort-casino township project at Mopa.

Executives from offshore casinos admitted that the tax hike would likely discourage mid-tier players, though premium clientele may remain less affected. Nevertheless, they fear reduced footfalls will erode Goa’s appeal as a gaming and entertainment hub.

The industry is already locked in a prolonged battle with the Centre over retrospective GST demands amounting to Rs 33,500 crore, a dispute currently before the Supreme Court. The Court is deliberating whether GST should be levied on the Gross Bet Value (GBV)—the total amount wagered—or on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), the actual casino earnings. A ruling is awaited.

With the latest 40% GST slab, insiders believe the casino sector could be pushed into its worst-ever crisis, posing a serious threat to Goa’s casino-driven tourism economy and risking thousands of livelihoods tied to the industry.