FAQ in the category of Gambling and Games of Chance

Betting bilaterally and doing similar things are regarded as gambling. For instance, before two people races if one of them says, “If you outrun me, I will give you such and such amount of money; if I outrun you, you will give me such and such amount of money”, such a bet is regarded as gambling.

However, if the bet is unilateral, it is permissible. That is, if one of them says,” If you outrun me, I will give you such and such amount of money but if I outrun you, do not give me anything”, such a bet is legitimate. The person who obtains such money can use it.

It is not permissible to arrange a match or a game by laying some conditions and to take the prize given as a result of the match or game. Such a practice is regarded as gambling.

Dar al-harb means a country that is not under the domination of Islam. In that case, America is dar al-harb.  

According to Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Muhammad, a Muslim will not be regarded as a sinner if he receives interest from non-Muslims and if he gambles when he is sure that he will win. However, according to Abu Yusuf, it is haram

If a person makes a transaction with interest in dar al-harb, it is permissible according to Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Muhammad. There is no drawback to a Muslim living in dar al-harb receiving interest from non-Muslims. For, receiving interest is not regarded as treason according to them; it is normal. (see Halil GÜNENÇ, Günümüz Meselelerine Fetvalar)