Chess and Gambling Instruments: Is Playing Cards for Fun — or Merely Attending — Considered Ḥarām?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Chess and Gambling Instruments: Is Playing Cards for Fun — or Merely Attending — Considered Ḥarām?

English:

Question #1114:

Should a group of people take to playing with cards without contemplating betting or winning, for that matter, but only for passing time and amusement, would they be deemed guilty of committing a ḥarām act? And what is the ruling on those attending such gatherings but not taking part in the playing?

Answer #1114:

A deck of cards is considered among the instruments of gambling and it is impermissible to play with it, even if it is without placing a bet. It is not permissible either to willingly join in the gatherings where gambling is taking place, or they play with its instruments.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Chess and Gambling Instruments