gambling

[ gam-bling ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambling¹

gamble + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Ohtani’s former interpreter had access to a bank account full of Ohtani’s money, and he simply wrote checks, withdrew cash or wired funds whenever he made bets or needed to pay gambling debts.

From Los Angeles Times

A former Labour candidate has been cleared by the gambling watchdog, after he placed a bet that he would lose his bid to become an MP in this year's general election.

From BBC

"It's pure gambling. Election betting can forecast the future no better than gambling whether or not you'll get 21 in blackjack," said Cantrell Dumas, director of derivatives policy at Better Markets.

From Salon

"We know from our previous research that many children have reported how their online spaces are 'saturated' with content which often blurs the lines between gaming and gambling," she said.

From BBC

The amount of money people can place on a single online slots bet will be restricted as part of a wider government overhaul to tackle gambling addiction.

From BBC

Related Words

• action