what does the Quran say about betting gambling ?

As a Hindu, from what I have read is the following :

The Quran strongly condemns gambling (known as Maisir or Qimar) and explicitly prohibits it due to its harmful effects on individuals and society. Gambling is considered a major sin (kabirah) in Islam.

Here are the key Quranic verses that address gambling:


📖 1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219)

"They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’"
(Quran 2:219)

✅ This verse acknowledges that there may be some worldly benefits, such as excitement or profit, but emphasizes that the harm and sin far outweigh the gain.


📖 2. Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90-91)

"O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, idolatry, and divination by arrows are an abomination of Satan's handiwork. So avoid them that you may be successful."
(Quran 5:90)

"Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?"
(Quran 5:91)

✅ These verses give a clear command to avoid gambling, equating it with other major sins. They highlight its satanic influence, causing hatred, conflict, and spiritual neglect.


📌 Islamic Interpretation:

  • Gambling is haram (forbidden) in all forms, whether betting on sports, casinos, lottery, or online games of chance.

  • Scholars classify gambling as destructive to moral character, encouraging greed, addiction, and financial ruin.

  • Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) generally holds that earning through gambling is unlawful (haram income) and must be given away in charity without expecting reward.


🧠 Wisdom Behind the Prohibition:

  1. Addiction & Mental Harm – leads to obsession and mental distress.

  2. Financial Destruction – people often lose more than they gain.

  3. Breaks Families – can destroy trust and relationships.

  4. Erodes Work Ethic – encourages dependence on luck rather than effort.

  5. Spiritual Damage – distances a person from God and prayer.