Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of risking money or something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome: "Gambling" refers to the activity of betting or wagering, typically on games of chance like cards, dice, or sporting events, with the primary hope of winning more money or a prize.
   • The practice of playing games of chance for money: It specifically denotes participating in activities where the result is predominantly determined by luck rather than skill.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • His severe gambling addiction led to significant financial losses.
  • The city's economy is partly supported by legalized gambling.
  • She viewed the stock market investment not as a calculated risk, but as pure gambling.

Advanced Usage

• "to take a gamble (on something)": to take a risk on something with an uncertain outcome. (Note: This uses the related word "gamble").
  • Investing in that startup is a gamble, but it could pay off.
• Compulsive/Gambling Disorder: A clinical term for a behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences.
  • He sought therapy for his gambling disorder.

Variants and Related Words

• Gamble (verb/noun): To play games of chance for money; a risky act or venture.
  • He decided to gamble his savings at the roulette wheel.
• Gambler (noun): A person who gambles.
  • The professional gambler knew the odds of every game.

Synonyms

• Betting: The act of placing a wager.
• Wagering: Staking money on an uncertain event.
• Gaming (in legal/formal contexts, especially for regulated activities like casinos).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Gamble away: To lose all of something by gambling.
  • He gambled away his entire inheritance in one night.

Related Idioms

• A gamble that paid off: A risk that resulted in a successful outcome.
  • Quitting his job to write a novel was a gamble that paid off.
• The gambling debt: Money owed as a result of losing bets.
  • He was threatened over his unpaid gambling debts.

Noun

1. the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
   • his gambling cost him a fortune
   • there was heavy play at the blackjack table