Gambling
/ˈɡæmblɪŋ/
nounverbB1present participle / gerund
Definition
Gambling is the activity of risking money or something valuable on a game, bet, or event where the result is not certain and depends on luck or chance. People gamble hoping to win money, but they can also lose what they bet. It can happen in casinos, online, or informal settings.
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See It in Action
The act of risking money on games of chance or bets
- •He enjoys gambling at the casino on weekends.
- •Gambling can be fun but also dangerous if you lose too much money.
- •Many countries have laws to control gambling activities.
The action of betting or risking something valuable hoping for a gain
- •She was gambling all her savings on the horse race.
- •Gambling on the stock market can be risky if you don’t understand it.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "gambling" like "playing," but with money at risk and an uncertain result—like a game where you can win or lose money
- ✓Picture a person putting coins into a slot machine or placing cards on a poker table, waiting to see if they win
- ✓It's the feeling of excitement mixed with nervousness when you don't know if you will win or lose money
- ✓Sounds like "GAM-bling" → imagine someone "gambling" with their luck, like throwing dice and hoping for a good number
- ✓Think of the movie scenes where characters go to casinos to try their luck and win big money quickly
- ✓NOT like "saving" (keeping money safe), gambling risks money and can lead to losing it
- ✓NOT like "investing" (careful and planned money use), gambling depends mostly on chance, not skill or planning
- ✓NOT like "playing" regular games for fun without money involved—gambling always involves money or something valuable
Try Other Words
- •Betting: risking money on a specific event or outcome (Use when talking about simple or direct money risks, like sports bets)
- •Wagering: formal word for betting money (Use in formal or legal contexts)
- •Playing: taking part in a game (Use when no money or risk is involved)
- •Speculating: risking money in hopes of profit, often in business or stocks (Use when risk is more about investment than games)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "gamble" + suffix "-ing" (shows action or process)
- •Etymology: "gamble" comes from old English or Germanic words meaning to play or take a chance
- •Historical development: The word has been used since the 1600s to mean risking money on games of chance
- •Modern usage: Used to describe activities involving betting money in casinos, sports, online games, or informal bets
Reflect & Connect
•What are some reasons people might choose to gamble even though they can lose money?
•How can gambling affect a person’s life differently than other types of games or hobbies?
Fill in the blanks
1.People often start gambling because they want to ___ a lot of money quickly.
2.Gambling can make people feel ___ and excited but also nervous or worried.
3.Unlike saving money, gambling involves the ___ of losing what you bet.
4.When you are gambling, you usually do not know the ___ of the game before it ends.
5.Some people gamble ___, but others may have problems controlling it.
6.Gambling often ___ with games like poker, slots, or sports events.
7.If someone is gambling, they are usually ___ money or something valuable on the result.