Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who risks money or something of value on the outcome of games of chance or uncertain events: A gambler is someone who participates in betting or wagering activities, often involving games like cards, dice, or roulette, where the result is based largely on luck.
   • A person who takes risky actions in the hope of a desired result: More broadly, a gambler can refer to anyone who takes significant risks in business, life, or other ventures, hoping for a gain or thrill.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The professional gambler spent most of his nights at the casino.
  • She was a gambler at heart, always investing in risky startup companies.
  • The law aims to protect problem gamblers from financial ruin.

Advanced Usage

• "Compulsive gambler": A person with an uncontrollable urge to gamble, often leading to severe personal and financial problems.

  • He sought help for his addiction as a compulsive gambler.

• "High-stakes gambler": A person who wagers very large amounts of money.

  • The high-stakes gambler was known to bet millions on a single hand of poker.

Variants and Related Words

• Gamble (verb): To play games of chance for money; to take risky action.

  • He decided to gamble his savings on the stock market.

• Gambling (noun): The activity of playing games of chance for money.

  • Gambling is regulated by law in this state.

Synonyms

• Bettor: A person who bets, especially on sporting events.
• Risk-taker: A person who takes risks, especially in business or life decisions.
• Punter (chiefly British): A person who bets on horses or other events.

Related Phrases

• "A gambler's fallacy": The mistaken belief that if something happens more frequently than normal during a given period, it will happen less frequently in the future (or vice versa), such as in games of chance.
  • Thinking red is 'due' on the roulette wheel is a classic gambler's fallacy.

Related Idioms

• "A roll of the dice": A risky attempt where the outcome is uncertain. (This idiom relates to the concept of gambling but does not contain the word "gambler".)
  • Starting a new business in this economy is a real roll of the dice.

Noun

1. someone who risks loss or injury in the hope of gain or excitement
2. a person who wagers money on the outcome of games or sporting events