Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government has slapped a massive Goods and Services Tax (GST) demand of ₹1,752.38 crore on Delta Corp Limited and its arm, Highstreet Cruises and Entertainment, for the financial year 2022–23.
As per an official notice dated March 17, the Office of the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes initiated proceedings under Section 74(1) of the Central GST Act, 2017, along with corresponding provisions of the Goa GST Act. Of the total amount, ₹1,350.25 crore has been claimed from Delta Corp, while ₹402.12 crore has been demanded from its subsidiary.
The tax authorities have alleged that the companies underpaid GST by calculating dues on a basis different from what the department considers appropriate. The demand is largely based on the estimated total value of bets placed across casino games during the period.
This method of assessment has long been disputed by casino operators, who maintain that GST should be imposed only on gross gaming revenue (GGR)—the actual earnings of the casino—rather than the aggregate betting volume.
Responding to the development, Delta Corp, in a regulatory filing, described the demand as unjustified and inconsistent with legal provisions. The company stated that it intends to challenge the notices through appropriate legal channels.
It further noted that similar tax claims covering the period from July 2017 to March 2022 are already being contested before the Supreme Court. Proceedings in those cases have been put on hold pending a final verdict.
The latest move is likely to add to the uncertainty surrounding GST norms for the casino sector in Goa. Delta Corp, the country’s only publicly listed casino operator, has diversified interests in offshore gaming, online platforms, hospitality, and real estate.
