Receiving a random reward when paying a fee to enter a campaign

Q: Is it permissible in Islam to participate in a campaign where I send $0.001 (a very small amount) to someone, and in return I receive a random reward that could be anywhere from a small amount up to $80? 

The reward is uncertain and based on luck. However, the money I send is never lost — I always receive a reward that is greater than the amount I sent. So I never lose my money, I only receive more. Is this considered gambling (maisir) or is it halal?”

A: This is not permissible. This is a riba transaction.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)