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Synonyms

gambling

American  
[gam-bling] / ˈgæm blɪŋ /

noun

  1. the activity or practice of playing at a game of chance for money or other stakes.

  2. the act or practice of risking the loss of something important by taking a chance or acting recklessly.

    If you don't back up your data, that's gambling.

Etymology

Origin of gambling

gamble + -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Although critics may dismiss prediction markets as gambling, prediction-market advocates say they provide valuable insights into the future.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

Prosecutors said Monday they would seek additional charges against Rozier in the sports betting case because they had developed evidence that the 10-year NBA veteran solicited a bribe during an alleged gambling scheme.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

While we have counseled that speculating on earnings reports is gambling, it remains one of the most prevalent pastimes in the stock and options market.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Indian tribes want to protect their gambling franchises.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Rollins watched Brekker and his crew moving through the crowded gambling hall.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.