Is betting lawful

A: This kind of bet described above and made between two people or teams is not permissible and the money should not be paid. This falls under gambling that Allah has prohibited in His saying, O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansâb, and Al-Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Shaitân (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allâh and from As-Salât (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain? The Prophet (peace be upon him) says, Competitions are allowed only in three (activities): Shooting arrows, camel racing or horse racing. (Related by Ahmad and other three narrators of Hadith Compilers (Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy and Al-Nasa'y) and classed as authentic by Ibn Hibban.) Accordingly, the one who swore should waive the money and pay Kaffarah (expiation) stated in the following Ayah (Part No. 15; Page No. 170) in which Allah (Exalted be He) says, Allâh will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will punish you for your deliberate oaths; for its expiation feed ten Masâkîn (poor persons), on a scale of the average of that with which you feed your own families, or clothe them or manumit a slave. But whosoever cannot afford (that), then he should fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths when you have sworn. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!