The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council deferred the decision on GST on online gaming, horse racing and casinos on Saturday. The council increased the monetary threshold for launching prosecution for some GST offences.

“GST Council agreed to decriminalise certain offences, and the threshold of launching prosecution has been doubled to Rs 2 crore,” said Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra. 

Mr Malhotra added that GST on online gaming and casinos was not discussed as the report of a Group of Ministers (GoM), chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, on the issue had submitted its report only a couple of days ago. 

The GoM was understood to have recommended a GST of 28 per cent on online gaming, irrespective of whether it is a game of skill or chance. 

The council could decide on only 8 out of the 15 agenda items due to paucity of time, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, adding that the items not considered included one pertaining to setting up of appellate tribunals for GST. 

No new taxes had been brought, Ms Sitharaman said on the deliberations at the GST Council’s 48th meeting on Saturday. 

The council also agreed on exemptions on no-claim bonus under insurance policies. Tax rate on husk of pulses was reduced to nil from 5 per cent, said the revenue secretary after GST Council meeting.