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The Daily Insight Hub

What types of gambling are haram?

Author

Sarah Martinez

Updated on January 13, 2026

“All forms of gambling are haram (forbidden by Islam) except for horse racing, camel racing and archery,” said Mohsen Mahmoudi, a cleric at a north Tehran mosque, adding that those manly, warrior sports were all encouraged by the Prophet Mohammad.

What is gambling in Islamic finance?

Means speculation or gambling. Maisir is prohibited in Islamic finance because it creates wealth from chance instead of productive activity. Because of the prohibition against maisir, certain financial products such as options, futures, and other derivatives are not generally used in Islamic finance.

What legally defines gambling?

Gambling is accepting, recording, or registering bets, or carrying on a policy game or any other lottery, or playing any game of chance, for money or other thing of value. Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1955, makes it a federal crime or offense for anyone to conduct an ‘illegal gambling business. ‘

Is gambling in a game haram?

Gambling is generally Haram because you don’t necessarily know the odds, and you won’t know the outcome. In Fiqh finance law, you’re not supposed to buy something if you don’t know what it is.

What are types of gambling?

The two main types of gambling include:

  • Chance-based – such as playing the lottery, roulette, bingo or gaming machines. The results are random.
  • Skill-based gambling – such as betting on races and playing poker or blackjack. Your ability or skill can influence whether you win or lose.

    What is prohibited in Islamic banking?

    One of the primary differences between conventional banking systems and Islamic banking is that Islamic banking prohibits usury and speculation. Shariah strictly prohibits any form of speculation or gambling, which is referred to as maisir. Shariah also prohibits taking interest on loans.

    What is an example of illegal gambling?

    One of the most common types of illegal gambling involves games that may otherwise be legal in illegal venues that do not have permission from the state to operate. This may include card games, video poker machines, and even simple games involving coins and dice.

    What is the definition of gambling in Islam?

    And i use general rule that anything that is based on chance of something random due to which i’ll gain or lose is Haram. but then this definition seems inappropriate if expanded on. So what exactly is ‘gambling’ in islam that is ‘Haram’ in Islam. I intend to ask questions, so please don’t get offended.

    What is the meaning of the word gambling?

    Gambling means to give or take money or goods depending on something that is not known how it will end. No matter what the name is, any game or bet that has this property and that is played in return for money or goods is called gambling.

    Why is it said that gambling is haraam?

    It is said that gambling is haraam because Allah has forbidden it. Gambling makes people rely on luck and wishful thinking for his earnings, it also results to enmity and hatred to other people/players, it can cause stress and mental breakdown.

    What kind of evil does gambling bring along?

    Gambling brings along evil deeds like alcohol, telling lies, greed, grudge, revenge and murder. Gambling also causes disorders, disagreements and neglects in family life. There are many people who sell their religion, honor and country due to gambling and who tread on all kinds of sacred values.