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

However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

The airport is one of only two commercial aviation hubs in the United States to feature terminal gambling (the other is Reno-Tahoe International Airport). — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

The case, part of an expansive FBI sports gambling probe now charging 34 people, raises fresh integrity concerns for the NBA. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Former Timberwolves players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been indicted in the latest round of charges in the government’s sprawling gambling investigation, authorities said Monday. — Ed White, Twin Cities, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gambling

• anti-gambling

Rhymes for gambling

• ambling
• scrambling
• shambling