Ignore them, they're just paranoid

if(and thats a BIG "IF") any enforcement agency raid that place on unfounded basis like this, they can be sued in a court of law, and you have very high chance of winning too

your friends all guy or mix?

No, it is not gambling gambling. I don't see any problem whatsoever with that.

Reason being, it is just a game, for fun, for positive outcome, for relationship. No need for anyone to be a hardass killjoy.
Besides, poker involve a lot of strategical and psychological skill.

Already got someone ask this question before..and already answered

Im the thread starter  so i know

ask them if they would be ok with it during the interview. Islamic law prohibits Muslim from getting involved in alcohol business, even if they dont touch it physically. Here’s what our Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him says :

Anas said that the Messenger of Allah cursed ten people in connection with wine: the wine-presser, the one who has it pressed, the one who drinks it, the one who conveys it, the one to whom it is conveyed, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who benefits from the price paid for it, the one who buys it, and the one for whom it is bought. [Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]

A lot of of non muslims thought that we muslims cannot touch alcoholic beverages out of disgust, but thats not the issue. The issue is Muslim cannot help people getting drunk, at all.

But if they insist on taking the job, that’s their problem. Jakim jais or any other muslim authorities wont raid your establishment because some Muslims work there. Case in point, I’ve seen some malays selling alcohol at KLIA. And everywhere in the country u see Malays selling cigarette. Cigarette is equally haram because of its harmful effects but a lot of Muslims turn a blind eye because their addicted to that stuff. But if you happen to meet a bigotted, fame seeking idiot like the one who harasses the promoter amoi a few weeks back, I feel sorry for you, but this is the exception rather than the norm.

And God knows best

I think what you described is just a normal participation fee. The fact that you guys don't make any profits out of that is a big factor too. So don't worry.

Hi, do you understand Malay ? Because I want to give you an Ustaz’s take in this matter, but its in Malay. If not, I will have to translate it for you.

You cant. Its haram. Prize winner cannot be from pooled money from participants. Its akin to a draw.

Prize can only be from a third party sponsor.

Rasanya anda dah dapat jawapan. Duit yang digunakan tidak boleh dibuat sebagai hadiah. Jika ya, ia dikira sebagai judi, kerana terdapat unsur rugi untuk sesuatu pihak, untung kepada sesuatu pihak.

Apa kata, duit RM20 anda buat sebagai membayar makanan, dan sewa dewan. Duit sumbangan syarikat digunakan sebagai hadiah.

For me, if you have the option between halal medicine and non-halal medicine. Always opt for halal.

Of course in Islam, there is cases where exception is given to existing ruling. But this is normally in extreme cases involving life and death.

Btw, how severe is the 3months without income will affect your friend? I think each person is different in term of, ability to absorb the impact, how much personal saving available... etc