# gambling

/ˈɡæmbəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /ɡˈæmblɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gambling
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. betting money

noun · CEFR B1

the act of playing games of chance for money.

For teachers: the activity of wagering money or stakes on an uncertain outcome, typically involving a combination of risk and chance.

- He lost a lot of money because of his gambling habit.
- The government introduced stricter regulations to address the social consequences of problem gambling in urban areas.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier before other nouns like 'addiction' or 'debts'.

Teaching tip: While 'gaming' is often used by the industry as a softer synonym, 'gambling' is the standard term used by the general public and in legal contexts.

## Examples

- He lost a lot of money through gambling on horse races.
- The government introduced new regulations to prevent underage gambling in online casinos and betting apps.
- While some view gambling as a harmless form of entertainment, others argue that its addictive nature necessitates strict state oversight and public health interventions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.