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Question:

Mufti Sahib, are free bets allowed in Islam?
Example, some apps give people a £10 free bet which they must use on betting and therein they could win or lose. [Question Published as received.]

The Fatwa

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The Answer

Free bets offered on gambling platforms are not Sharia compliant and cannot be participated in.

The Fiqh

Gambling involves wagering money or something of value on an event or outcome that is based on chance or luck, rather than on skill or effort. This includes all forms of gambling, such as sports betting, casino games, lotteries, and other games of chance.

Betting companies often either require players to place a bet and offer a bonus bet, require a subscription and sign-up, or restrict withdrawal until actual money has been wagered.

Therefore, if a betting company offers a gift or any amount of money, regardless of its form, it would be forbidden to take it and then bet. If ownership can be established, then the moment the money is taken, ownership is given to you, and then you are betting with your own funds. This is true even if the gift is in the form of free credit or bonus, as the credit can only be used on the platform to place bets and earn more money. If ownership of the funds is not established, even then it is prohibited, as one is still engaging in a gambling game. Arguably, this latter scenario would be even worse, as not only is one engaging in gambling, one is earning and benefiting from funds that do not belong to him too.

There is an objection on whether this form of gifting fulfills the requirements of gifting in Fiqh at the outset, as a Hiba necessitates complete transfer which results in autonomy and authority over what has been gifted. If the credit is restricted to be used in the platform and cannot be used in any other way than to take part in this bet, the nature of Qabdh is questionable and debatable.

In conclusion, accepting any form of gift or money from a betting company, even if it is in the form of free credit or bonus, is not permissible. Gambling is strictly forbidden and the warnings in the Quran and Sunnah are severe.

And Almighty Allah Alone Knows Best

Maulana Ammar Y Badat
Trainee Mufti

Reviewed and approved by
Mufti Faraz Adam
Darul Iftaa Muadh ibn Jabal
www.fatwa-centre.com | www.darulfiqh.com

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this answer belong only to the author and do not in any way represent or reflect the views of any institutions to which he may be affiliated.

Arguments and ideas propounded in this answer are based on the juristic interpretations and reasoning of the author. Given that contemporary issues and interpretations of contemporary issues are subjective in nature, another Mufti may reach different conclusions to the one expressed by the author. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure total accuracy and soundness from a Shari’ah perspective, the author is open to any correction or juristic guidance. On the event of any juristic shortcomings, the author will retract any or all of the conclusions expressed within this answer.

The Shari’ah ruling given herein is based specifically on the scenario in question.  The author bears no responsibility towards any party that acts or does not act on this answer and is exempted from any and all forms of loss or damage.  This answer may not be used as evidence in any court of law without prior written consent from the author.  Consideration is only given and is restricted to the specific links provided, the author does not endorse nor approve of any other content the website may contain.

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