gamble
B2Neutral to Informal (in literal betting contexts). Formal in extended/metaphorical use (e.g., 'gamble on a new strategy').
Definition
Meaning
To risk money or something of value on the outcome of an unpredictable event, such as a game, race, or chance.
To take any risky action or make a decision whose outcome is uncertain, with the hope of gaining an advantage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning is financial/speculative risk, but the word is heavily used metaphorically for any uncertain venture. Carries negative moral connotations in some conservative/religious contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. In legal/juridical contexts, 'gaming' is often the formal UK term for regulated betting (e.g., Gaming Act), whereas 'gambling' is the common term. In the US, 'gambling' is the default legal and common term.
Connotations
Largely identical. Both associate with casinos, betting shops, and risk.
Frequency
Similar frequency. The noun 'gamble' (e.g., 'a bit of a gamble') is equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] gambles [intransitive][Subject] gambles [Object: money/savings] away[Subject] gambles [Prepositional: on + event/outcome][Subject] gambles that + clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gamble away the family silver”
- “a gamble that paid off”
- “gamble on two horses (to hedge bets)”
- “all bets are off (related)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'The merger was a risky gamble that paid off.'
Academic
In economics/psychology: 'Studies on decision-making under risk often use gambling paradigms.'
Everyday
Literal: 'He likes to gamble at the casino.' Metaphorical: 'You're gambling with your health by ignoring those symptoms.'
Technical
In statistics/game theory: 'Optimal stopping problems can model certain gambling scenarios.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- Getting married so young was a bit of a gamble.
- The investment turned out to be a safe gamble.
American English
- Starting a business during a recession is a huge gamble.
- His decision to quit his job was a real gamble.
verb
British English
- He would gamble his weekly wages on the football pools.
- It's foolish to gamble with your pension.
American English
- She gambled all her savings at the Las Vegas tables.
- The company is gambling on this new technology being a success.
adverb
British English
- No direct common adverb form. 'Gamblingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- No direct common adverb form. 'Gamblingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- The industry is subject to gambling regulations. (Gambling as gerund/adj)
- He has a gambling problem.
American English
- She works in gambling research.
- There are strict gambling laws in this state.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He likes to gamble on card games.
- Don't gamble all your money.
- I took a gamble and bought the cheaper phone, but it broke quickly.
- Gambling can be very addictive.
- The government is gambling that the economic reforms will stimulate growth before the next election.
- She regretted gambling away her inheritance.
- The director's unconventional casting choice was a deliberate gamble that ultimately garnered critical acclaim.
- He argued that investing in unproven markets was tantamount to financial gambling.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GAMe at a taBLE where you risk money = GAM-BLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE / BUSINESS IS GAMBLING (taking chances, calculating odds, winning/losing).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'game' (игра). While related, 'gamble' is specifically about рискованная игра, азартная игра, пари. The verb 'to gamble' is играть в азартные игры/на деньги, ставить.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I gambled to win the lottery.' (Better: 'I played the lottery' or 'I bet on the lottery.') 'Gamble' usually implies a game of skill/chance you participate in, not a pure draw. Overusing the literal meaning when 'risk' or 'chance' is more appropriate in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'gamble' used in a purely metaphorical sense (not involving money or games of chance)?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the core meaning involves money, it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean taking any serious risk (e.g., gambling with your health, gambling your reputation).
'Bet' often implies a specific stake on a specific outcome (e.g., a sports bet). 'Gamble' can be more general, referring to the activity itself (e.g., 'he has a gambling habit'). 'Gamble' also carries a stronger connotation of risk and potential loss.
Yes. As a noun, it means 'a risky action or decision' (e.g., 'Starting the business was a gamble').
It depends entirely on local laws and jurisdiction. Some forms are legal and regulated (e.g., national lotteries, licensed casinos), while others are illegal. The word itself is neutral regarding legality.