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A23 Poker Professor: How to Stay Profitable in Online Poker with TDS and GST

Welcome back to the third class of Semester 1! I’m your A23 Poker Professor, here to guide you on your journey to mastering poker. Last week, we explored the crucial topic of bankroll management after a big win. Today, we’ll address a more complex issue that affects every online poker player in India: the impact of TDS and GST on your winnings.

What is TDS?

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) refers to a portion of your earnings that is withheld by the government before the funds reach you. In online poker, this means your winnings are taxed at the source, ensuring compliance with tax laws.

What is GST?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax applied to the consumption of goods and services. In the context of online poker, it is charged on platform fees and rake collected by the poker site.

In October 2023, the GST rate for online gaming was increased from 18% to 28%. This adjustment significantly affects players, as it now applies to all deposits made, rather than only the operator’s profits.

A23 Poker Professor Tips

Focus on Long-Term Goals

• Think beyond immediate profits: With the increase in GST to 28%, profit margins in online poker sessions may be narrower. Instead of chasing short-term gains, develop a mindset geared towards sustained profitability over time.
• Build a consistent strategy: Treat poker as a long-term game of skill. Regularly review your gameplay, refine strategies, and focus on incremental improvements to stay competitive despite the higher tax burden.
• Emphasise volume over margins: While individual sessions might yield lower profits, playing more consistently and strategically can help balance the overall impact over the long run.

Effective Bankroll Management

• Adjust your stakes: Consider shifting to lower-stakes games to reduce the financial impact of TDS and GST on your bankroll.
• Set realistic goals: Understand that every session may not end in large profits; patience and achievable targets are key.

Optimise Your Game

• Sharpen your skills: Regularly refine your poker strategies, such as improving your hand selection, positional awareness, and bet sizing.
• Deepen your knowledge: Study resources like poker books, training videos, and professional gameplay to gain a strategic edge.

Take Advantage of Promotions

• Make the most of bonuses: Look for promotional offers, including rakeback deals, that can help counterbalance the cost of taxes.
• Play freerolls and satellites: These provide an opportunity to win big rewards without a significant investment.

Stay Disciplined

• Avoid emotional decisions: Emotional reactions can lead to mistakes. Maintain focus and composure, even during challenging games.
• Limit playing time: Set boundaries for your gaming sessions to avoid overexertion and impulsive actions.

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ALSO READ: How to Maintain Your Bankroll After a Big Win by A23 Poker Professor

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A23 Poker Professor Homework

For this week’s homework, calculate how TDS and GST have impacted your recent winnings. Evaluate your gameplay and pinpoint areas where you can improve to increase your profitability. Compare the current financial year and compare it to the pre-28% GST financial year to compare your average winnings per session.

Semester 1 Timetable

While taxes like TDS and GST might seem like obstacles, they need not discourage you from enjoying online poker. By applying the strategies discussed today, you can adapt to this new financial landscape and continue excelling in the game. And where better to play online poker than on the A23 Poker app, which has recently launched its desktop version.

Next week, we’ll conclude Semester 1 with a deep dive into the art of reading players and identifying tells in online poker. Stay tuned!

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