Q&A: Gambling
lit 8/29/2026 · 7 entries · 0 followers · 0 likes
⚖️ Fiqh & LawJurist: Sayyid Ali SistaniTopic: GamblingMadhhab / school: Shia Ithna 'Ashariyah#fiqh#qa#sistani
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Is betting allowed on horse race?
Answer
Betting is only allowed between those who take part in the horse race, and not for the onlookers and owners of the horses.
Source:sistani.org · sistani.org
What games are forbidden (Haram) to play?
Answer
Playing chess and backgammon is absolutely forbidden, (with or without betting). As for playing other games, then playing them with the condition of betting (gambling) is forbidden (Haram), and one should avoid playing these games (known as games of gambling), dominoes, billiard, and card games even without betting (Obligatory Precaution). Any other game which is not considered a game of gambling, and no betting is involved, is permissible to play.
Source:sistani.org · sistani.org
Is buying and selling chess, backgammon, dominoes, billiard, and card games allowed?
Answer
Buying and selling gambling tools and instruments mentioned are forbidden (Haram).
Source:sistani.org · sistani.org
Is it permissible to play with a dice on its own?
Answer
If it is used on its own without gambling it is permissible.
Source:sistani.org · sistani.org
Is it permissible to play games of chance, such as dominoes, billiard, and card games, on electronic machines (computers / online) with betting or without betting?
Answer
It is not permissible, and it is treated the same as normal [non-electronic] gambling instruments, if played without betting (obligatory precaution), and it is not permissible any game that involves betting.
Source:sistani.org · sistani.org
Some people play with gambling instruments other than chess and backgammon for enjoyment and without placing a bet.
Answer
It is prohibited to play with all that is considered a gambling instrument even without placing a bet.
Source:sistani.org · sistani.org
Is it permissible to play games without betting, with those games which are not known as gambling games, such as Snakes & Ladders, Monopoly, and others which a dice is used?
Answer
There is no problem in playing with those games which are not known for gambling, even with the use of a dice,
Source:sistani.org · sistani.org
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