The Prophet (SAW) said:
"Every sport of amusement that a Muslim occupies himself with is Baatil (baseless, null and not permissible) - except three: [the three types being] his practicing with your bow (and arrow); his training your horse and his playing with his family." [Ibn Majah. It was declared authentic by Al-Albaanee (ra) in Saheeh Sunan Ibn Majah. See also Silsilah Saheehah]
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
"The life of this world is but play and amusement, and the abode of the Hereafter is best for those who Fear (Allah)." (Al-An’am 6:32)
The above stated Hadith and verse of the Quran, as well as many other verse of the Quran and Ahaadith make it quite clear that Islam DOES NOT TOLERATE futility, idle sports and amusement. This is so because amusement and entertainment divert one’s attention from the Remembrance of Allah (SWT). It also interferes with one’s worship causing neglect of Salaat (in general) and the congregational prayers (particularly for men).
Amusement and entertainment which Islam describes as Lawh, la’b make a person indolent, negligent and irresponsible. Hence, we find the Messenger of Allah (SAW) condemning VERY STRONGLY even such play as chess and backgammon, etc., in the following Hadith:
"Whosoever plays with chess and backgammon is like one who has dyed his hand with the flesh and blood of swine." (Muslim)