Former MMA organizer Zaid Abu Soud is the founder of a Halal sportsbook. He is looking to expand his app to include many new sports. The innovative app allows fans to predict soccer game outcomes without violating Shariah. However, Abu Soud wants to take it even further.
Hajem Sports is a unique prediction app. It aims to recreate the excitement of sports betting without any actual wagering. The app doesn’t involve monetary bets and therefore does not really constitute sports betting available to consumers in the UAE. Nonetheless, it still brings fans closer to the action. It allows them to increase their engagement in the sport. They can also test their sports knowledge by making predictions.
The app is very similar to sportsbooks Western audiences would be familiar with. Nevertheless, with no money involved, players can safely play without violating Shariah.
Zaid Abu Soud said they wanted to give the Arab or Muslim user a skin in the game without committing a vice.
For reference, Hajem Sports gives users five credits each day. This allows them to place predictions on their favorite soccer games. Correct guesses are awarded in-game points, which users can accumulate.
Users can move up or down a leaderboard based on the points they earn. They can also prove to their friends that they are the better sports pundits.
Originally, Abu Saud sought to emulate the excitement of wagering without making players feel guilty for violating Shariah. He explained that Hajem Sports lets users satisfy their betting urge without the vice associated with real-money games.
Instead of aiming to win money, Hajem players compete with their loved ones. They strive to prove their superior sports knowledge and prediction skills.
Abu Soud explained that many casual bettors do not wager huge sums. Most of the Western bettors use the apps for some extra fun and excitement instead of seeking monetary rewards. Therefore, he understood that taking the real-money element out could still result in some great user experiences.
