gambling

noun

gam·​bling ˈgam-b(ə-)liŋ 

: the practice or activity of betting : the practice of risking money or other stakes in a game or bet

illegal gambling

compulsive gambling

Then, within the past 18 months, after the explosion in Internet gambling … and the cable TV debut of the World Poker Tour, the game took off again.

—Walter Kirn

—often used before another noun

a gambling game

gambling regulations

a gambling empire

Examples of gambling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For decades, the organization vigorously opposed sports gambling. — Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025

While sports leagues and gambling operators partner up, athletes and team staff must avoid betting at all costs. —Andrew King, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025

What were once considered vices to be avoided — drug use and gambling — appear to be with us to stay. —Howard Husock, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025

Information on services available in Connecticut for those who may have a gambling problem is also available at portal.ct.gov/problemgaming. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gambling

• anti-gambling

Rhymes for gambling

• ambling
• scrambling
• shambling