Casino gambling is considered “haram” or forbidden in Islam. Its prohibition is rooted in several key principles derived from Islamic teachings. Verses in the Quran explicitly forbids Muslims from gambling, arguing that it is the work of the devil.
According to Islamic scriptures, gambling encompasses any activity where money or valuable items are wagered on uncertain outcomes, which includes casino games, sports betting, and lotteries. The concept of gambling is the element of chance and risk involved in betting activities, which contradicts the principles of fairness and certainty required by financial transactions according to Islam.
Islam views casino gambling as harmful to individuals and the larger society, with the potential to cause financial ruin, family breakdowns, and social discord. Quranic teachings emphasize such activities distract individuals from the remembrance of God and can foster enmity among people. Gambling is grouped with alcohol consumption as a ‘major sin’ due to its addictive qualities and destructive nature.
Is Casino Gambling Prohibited In Islam?
It’s not the addictive nature of gambling that is the sole reason for its prohibition in Islam. The religion emphasizes the importance of creating and earning wealth through honest, hard work and sees reliance on luck or chance to gain money as morally wrong. Islamic philosophy fosters a community where wealth is accumulated and distributed based on effort and fairness, rather than unpredictable and unfair speculation.
The anti-gambling stance in Islam is also grounded in the social harm it causes, where it lists the fracture of families and communities, financial ruin, breakdowns in relationships, and the erosion of trust as the profound consequences.
Gambling In Muslim Countries
While gambling is discouraged in the Arab world, Muslims, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continue to seek gambling opportunities. Many countries in the region have integrated resorts that attract the highest-net-worth players from around the world as well as local players.
In the 1960s and 70s, high-end casinos in the West were populated with Arab customers who were spending millions of dollars on a nightly basis. With significant investments in the MENA region, especially in the hospitality and leisure sectors, it may be primed to become a major gaming and integrated resort destination.
1. Egypt
Egypt has over a dozen casinos that generate more than $200 million in gross gaming revenue annually. However, casinos are only permitted in the country within five-star hotels, and citizens are banned from entering the gambling area. All players are required to submit their passports before entering. Moreover, casinos have to pay a gaming tax of 50% of their gross annual revenue, which is done on a daily basis.
2. Morocco
Morocco also allows gambling but follows similar rules as Egypt, where citizens are not allowed to enter the premises. There are seven casinos in the country, which are all located within five-star hotels and resorts across major cities. The length of the licenses offered and gambling tax are negotiated based on the level of investment made.
3. Lebanon
Lebanon is an exotic destination in the Arab world that has casinos. Casino du Liban is the most popular in the region and makes an average annual revenue of approximately $175 million. Moreover, Casino du Liban is a public company listed on the Beirut OTC market. Shares of the casino have traded as high as $550 per share. Shareholders of the company include the Lebanese Central Bank, the Lebanon Ministry of Finance, the Kuwaiti National Bank, and the Kuwaiti government.
Arab Investments In Casino And Gambling Companies
While nations across the Middle East and North Africa bar their citizens from gambling or entering casinos, leading government sovereign funds are heavily invested in casinos. Dubai World, the sovereign wealth fund of the government of Dubai, invested $5.2 billion in MGM Mirage, in an attempt to financially support the casino giant in the development of the CityCenter in Las Vegas.
Istithmar World, a subsidiary of Dubai World, has investments in Kerzner International, which used to own the Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas, and the Magazan Beach and Gold Resort in Morocco.
Also Read: Best online casinos in Australia
Final Thoughts
While Islamic teachings and the Quran prohibit Muslims from gambling, and Muslim countries ban citizens from entering casinos, gamers from the MENA region account for a sizeable share of the money spent on gambling throughout the world. Despite Muslim-majority countries offering casino gambling to foreigners or non-Muslim visitors, the performance of these casinos is hindered by high tax rates and impractical regulatory hurdles.
The gambling market in the Middle East and other Muslim countries needs to achieve sustainable gaming revenues with a moderate tax rate that yields the optimal amount of revenue to the host nation, all the while respecting cultural norms. Casinos must also ensure that they are welcomed within local communities before being established to respect Islamic beliefs, which are essential to their successful operation.