Losses from online gaming cannot be offset against other income sources like salary or business profits, nor can they be carried forward to future tax years. According to Section 115BBJ of the Income Tax Act, winnings from online games are taxed at a flat rate of 30% plus Cess under 'Income from Other Sources'.
22 July 2025
The Income Tax Act does not allow you to set off losses incurred from online gaming against any other source of income (like salary, business income, etc.). Furthermore, you cannot carry forward these losses to offset future online gaming winnings. Winnings from online games are considered "Income from Other Sources" and are taxed at a flat rate of 30%+ Cess. This is governed by Section 115BBJ of the Income Tax Act.