Associations

Gambling is the act of risking money or something valuable on the outcome of a game, event, or chance. People often associate gambling with casinos, betting, and games of chance.

• Example 1: "He enjoys gambling at the casino." This means he likes to risk money by playing games like poker or slot machines.
• Example 2: "Online gambling has become very popular." This indicates that many people are now betting through websites rather than physical casinos.
• Example 3: "She has a gambling addiction." This shows that someone has a problem where they cannot stop themselves from gambling, leading to negative consequences.

A well-known synonym for gambling is "betting." The main difference is that betting can refer to any wager, whether it’s on sports or a game, while gambling often implies a broader range of activities and may have legal implications.

Substitution

Other words/phrases that can be used instead of "gambling" include:

• "Betting": This can refer specifically to wagering on sports events.
• "Wagering": A more formal term that also means placing a bet, but is often used in legal contexts.
• "Gaming": This can include gambling but often refers to playing games for entertainment, not necessarily for money.

Using "betting" changes the focus more towards specific events, while "gaming" might suggest a broader range of activities that are not always related to real money.