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.
And now, a new gambling game called Rush Hour CCTV on the crypto casino platform Roobet is taking the phenomenon to an even more ludicrous conclusion. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 19 Feb. 2026 However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026 In addition to the social media company tax, the governor’s plan also estimated raising $120 million from taxing table games and electronic gambling devices at casinos at the same rates, and $269 million from extending a cap on corporate tax deductions for operating losses. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 With an influx of young men and widespread alcohol consumption, gambling ran rampant, particularly in San Francisco, which in 1850 had 1,000 gaming establishments — approximately one for every 25 people, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 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 21 Feb. 2026.

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