Najafi Q&A: Lottery

Answer

In the name of Allah, lottery tickets are of different types: First type: If after the draw, all the participating tickets are rendered void and the money of the participants—except for the winner—goes to waste, then this is a form of gambling. It is not permissible to participate in or contribute to such a lottery. If one does obtain money through it, it is considered money of unknown ownership and must be handed over to the religious authority. Second type: In this case, the participating tickets do not lose their validity after the draw. The winner receives their prize, and the remaining tickets can still be sold, returned to the company, or used for participation in future draws. This type is permissible according to Islamic law. However, in the first type, if some organizations issue such tickets with the intention of supporting charitable works—such as building mosques, aiding the poor, and similar purposes—then participating is permissible solely with the intention of contributing to those charitable causes. Allah knows best.