Lottery games are strictly illegal in Iran under Islamic law, which considers gambling among the greatest sins referred to as "haram." Article 705 of the Islamic Penal Code explicitly prohibits gambling by any means, with punishments ranging from one to six months in prison or up to 74 lashes depending on the severity of the offense. This ban extends to all forms of gambling including lotteries, casinos, sports betting, and online gaming activities (1).
Iranian jurisprudence maintains consensus on the prohibition of lottery based on Quranic verses and Islamic legal principles. Despite the prohibition, some exceptions exist when tickets are sold solely for charitable donations with prizes awarded independently outside the lottery process. However, most common lotteries lack these conditions and remain forbidden under both religious law and civil code provisions (2).
"This prohibition finds its deep roots in Islamic law, which considers gambling among the greatest sins, as referred to by the term haram."
The rationale behind Iran's prohibition stems from the belief that gambling constitutes economic exploitation and leads to significant social harm incompatible with Islamic values. Law enforcement agencies actively work to curb illegal lottery operations through blocking access to gambling websites, monitoring financial transactions, and prosecuting operators and participants involved in such activities (1).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-iran/
https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/download/11353/7334/13315
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
