gambling

noun

gam·​bling ˈgam-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce gambling (audio)
Synonyms of gamblingnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to the Texas attorney general’s office, there is no exception to the gambling law in Texas for nonprofits to hold poker or casino night fundraising events. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 In response, Pretoria has proposed a 20% tax on online gambling profits, a move that could also boost government coffers. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026 While Talarico may posture as not being influenced by corporate interests, despite taking their money, critics have pointed to his relationship with the gambling industry as an example of him acting on behalf of an industry that provides him with patronage. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026 Prediction markets have raised concerns from sports leagues already working to combat issues around legal sports gambling. ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gambling

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gambling was in 1700

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Cite this Entry

“Gambling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gambling. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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