Can I still buy lottery tickets as a Muslim?
No. The lottery is a form of gambling, which Islam clearly forbids. That includes scratch cards, sports betting and paid raffles. Free prize draws are a different story and are generally allowed. And if you won something before becoming Muslim, many scholars say you don't need to give it back.
Why the lottery counts as gambling
Gambling, called maysir in Arabic, means paying money for a chance to win more, where most people lose so that a few can win. That's exactly how a lottery works. The Quran addressed this when people asked about wine and gambling:
Later, the Quran made the prohibition final, calling gambling "defilement from the work of Satan" (Quran 5:90).
It doesn't matter how small the ticket price is, or that "it's just for fun." The structure is the same: money paid in, a chance-based payout, and most players losing.
What's included
- National lotteries and Powerball: not allowed.
- Scratch cards: not allowed.
- Sports betting and office pools: not allowed if people pay in.
- Casino games and online slots: not allowed.
What about charity raffles?
If you buy a ticket for a chance to win a prize, most scholars say it works like a lottery, even when the money goes to a good cause. The cleaner option is to simply donate, without a ticket. Some scholars are more lenient when the ticket is basically a donation, but avoiding it is safer.
What's allowed
- Free prize draws: you didn't pay to enter, so nothing is at risk.
- Competitions of skill with prizes from a sponsor.
- Store loyalty rewards and genuine giveaways.
Winnings from before Islam
Many scholars say that money you won before becoming Muslim is yours, since Islam wipes out the past. About past dealings, the Quran says that whoever stops "may have what is past" (Quran 2:275). From now on, simply stop buying tickets.
See also Can I still play poker with friends as a Muslim if we don't bet money?
- Lottery tickets are gambling and not allowed.
- Scratch cards, betting and paid raffles count too.
- Free prize draws are generally fine.
- Past winnings from before Islam are forgiven.
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