Section 4: Recognition and development of online social games.

(1) The Central Government shall take steps as it considers necessary to recognise, categorise and register online social games with the Authority or agency, as the case may be, and facilitate the development and availability of online social games for recreational and educational purposes.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-section (1), such steps may include –

(a) creation of mechanism for the registration of online social games;

(b) creation of platforms or programmes to support the development and distribution of online social games;

(c) supporting initiatives aimed at increasing public access to safe and age-appropriate social gaming content;

(d) undertaking awareness programmes to highlight the positive use of social games for recreation, skill-development and digital literacy;

(e) coordination with State Governments and educational or recreational institutions for promotion of social gaming as part of broader digital engagement strategies; and

(f) such other measures which are necessary to promote the sector, as may be prescribed.

Explained:

Section 4 of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 deals with the recognition and development of online social games. The provision forms part of Chapter II of the Act, which focuses on the development and recognition of legitimate segments of the online gaming industry. The Act was enacted as Act No. 32 of 2025.

Under Section 4(1), the Central Government is required to take such steps as it considers necessary to recognise, categorise and register online social games with the Authority or the concerned agency. The provision also seeks to facilitate the availability and development of online social games for recreational and educational purposes.

Section 4(2) identifies several measures that may be adopted by the Government. These include establishing a registration mechanism, creating platforms and programmes supporting the development and distribution of social games, and promoting safe and age-appropriate gaming content. The provision also encourages awareness programmes relating to recreation, skill development and digital literacy. Coordination with State Governments and educational or recreational institutions is another important component.

The provision should be read with the definition of “online social game” under Section 2(1)(i). Such a game must not involve staking money or other stakes with an expectation of monetary gain and must be offered for entertainment, recreation or skill development.

Important Judicial Decisions

In State of Andhra Pradesh v. K. Satyanarayana, the Supreme Court recognised Rummy as predominantly a game of skill, while also noting that the existence of skill does not by itself exclude every form of unlawful gaming activity.

In Dr. K.R. Lakshmanan v. State of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court held that a game predominantly involving skill is distinguishable from gambling, and explained the importance of the dominant element of skill and chance.

More recently, in State of Tamil Nadu v. Junglee Games India Pvt. Ltd. (2026), the Supreme Court examined the constitutional and legislative issues surrounding State regulation of online gaming. The decision is particularly relevant to understanding the relationship between games of skill, gambling regulation and legislative competence.

Therefore, Section 4 represents the development-oriented side of the 2025 legislation, encouraging legitimate social gaming while the Act separately prohibits online money games under Section 5.