Is the Lottery Haram in Islam?
This is an independent, informational guide for UK readers and is not affiliated with the organisations mentioned. It is provided for general information only.
In mainstream Islamic teaching, the lottery is treated as a form of gambling, known as maisir, and so is widely considered haram, meaning forbidden. This is the same reasoning applied to gambling in general, because the lottery involves staking money on a result decided purely by chance.
The mainstream view
In mainstream Islamic teaching, the lottery is treated as a form of gambling, known as maisir, and is therefore widely considered haram, meaning forbidden.
This is the same reasoning applied to gambling generally, because a lottery involves staking money on a result decided purely by chance.
Why the cause doesn't usually change it
A common question is whether it matters that some lotteries raise money for good causes. In the mainstream view this doesn't change the ruling, because the act of staking money on chance is itself the issue.
The charitable benefit is seen as separate from how the money is staked.
Where scholars discuss the detail
As with any religious question, the finer points — and any specific situation — are matters scholars address case by case.
This page sets out the broad, commonly held position for general information; it is not a religious ruling.
Scratchcards and instant games
The same reasoning is generally applied to scratchcards and online instant-win games, since they too involve staking money on a chance outcome.
As earlier, this reflects the mainstream position; individual questions are best put to a qualified scholar.
As with the broader question of gambling, this page describes the mainstream position rather than delivering a ruling, and anyone with a specific question is best served by speaking to a qualified scholar. The common thread in the teaching is a concern with staking money on chance, which is why the lottery is generally placed in the same category as other gambling.
Is playing the lottery haram?
In mainstream Islamic teaching the lottery is treated as gambling and is widely considered forbidden.
Does it matter that the lottery funds good causes?
In the mainstream view, no — the concern is staking money on chance, which is separate from the charitable benefit.
Who should I ask for a ruling?
A qualified scholar or imam. This page is general information, not a religious ruling.
Are lottery scratchcards also considered haram?
In the mainstream view, yes — they involve staking money on chance, the same as other lottery games.
Related guides: Is gambling haram?, Is gambling a sin?, Responsible gambling