gamble

gamble — verb

1. to choose to do something risky even though the outcome is uncertain, because yo

1.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

to choose to do something risky even though the outcome is uncertain, because you believe the possible gain is worth the danger of loss or failure.

Example

The small firm gambled on a new technology and it paid off.

gamble + on + noun phrase for a risky decision

Indra gambled that her savings would last until she started earning again.

gamble + that-clause for an optimistic prediction

Common collocations
  • gamble on an outcome
  • gamble with safety
  • gamble on a plan
  • gamble on a hunch
Synonyms
  • risk

    broader; can be used transitively ('risk your life') while 'gamble' usually needs 'on'

  • venture

    more formal, often implies boldness and planning, not just chance

  • bet

    more casual; can replace 'gamble' in many contexts but is also the specific term for wagering money

  • speculate

    formal, often used in finance or business; suggests a calculated guess

Antonyms
  • play safe

    phrase; to avoid risk entirely

  • hedge

    to reduce risk by taking counteracting actions

Grammar Patterns

gamble + on + [risky decision/opportunity]

gamble + that-clause

gamble + with + [something valuable]

Usage Note

Frequently used with 'on' to name the risky situation, or with a 'that'-clause to name the hoped-for outcome. 'Gamble with' puts the focus on what might be lost.

Common Mistakes

I gambled to start a business.
I gambled on starting a business.
The pattern is 'gamble on + [action/outcome]', not 'gamble to + verb'.

2. to risk real money on the result of a game, race, or sports match, with the hope

2.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to risk real money on the result of a game, race, or sports match, with the hope of winning a larger amount if you guess correctly.

Example

James gambled his whole paycheck at the casino in one night.

transitive: gamble + money + at + venue

Meera gambled fifty dollars on a horse that came in last.

gamble + amount + on + outcome

Common collocations
  • gamble at a casino
  • gamble on horses
  • gamble on sports
  • gamble away savings
  • gamble money on
Synonyms
  • bet

    more specific; always involves money or something of value, same pattern but more common in gambling contexts

  • wager

    more formal; used in legal and historical contexts

  • stake

    can be a verb meaning 'to risk money'; often followed by 'on': 'stake $100 on the game'

Antonyms
  • save

    to keep money rather than risk it

  • play it safe

    phrase; to avoid any gambling or risk-taking

Grammar Patterns

gamble + [amount of money] + on + [game/horse/event]

gamble + at + [casino/gambling venue]

gamble away + [money/savings]

Usage Note

The direct object is the amount of money risked, not the game. 'He gambled $100 on the horse', not 'He gambled the horse'. 'Gamble away' means to lose all of something through gambling.

Common Mistakes

He gambled the horse for fifty dollars.
He gambled fifty dollars on the horse.
The money amount is the direct object; the thing you bet on comes after 'on'.
Phrasal verbs

gamble away

phrasal verb

To lose something, usually money or possessions, by gambling.

Tom gambled away his entire savings in one night.

She gambled away her inheritance at the casino.

gamble on

phrasal verb

To risk money or something valuable on the result of a game or event.

Diego gambled on the horse with the best odds.

Why did you gamble on that risky stock?

gamble on doing

phrasal verb

To take a risk by doing something, hoping for a good result.

Maya gambled on starting her own business.

They gambled on arriving early to get good seats.

gamble — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

These four words all describe taking a chance, but they differ in scope and tone. 'Risk' is the broadest — you can risk anything (time, money, health) in any context, and it carries a neutral or cautious tone. 'Gamble' (the target sense) adds the idea that the outcome depends heavily on luck rather than careful calculation. 'Venture' is more formal and often implies bold, proactive risk-taking with an element of planning ('they ventured into a new market'). 'Bet' is the most casual and overlaps with both 'gamble' and 'risk', but it often refers to specific predictions ('I bet it will rain'). 'Speculate' is more intellectual and is common in finance, where you analyse probabilities before acting. For everyday contexts, 'gamble' and 'bet' are the most natural choices, while 'venture' and 'speculate' suit more formal or business writing.

risk ↗venture ↗betspeculate ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

'Gamble' first appeared in English in the late 1700s. It likely comes from the earlier verb 'gam(m)en', which meant 'to play' or 'to amuse oneself', itself from the Old English word 'gamen' (meaning 'game' or 'fun'). The '-le' ending gives it a sense of repeated or habitual action — so 'gamble' originally meant 'to play games repeatedly', and over time it came to mean playing games of chance for money. The broader sense of 'taking any kind of risk' developed in the 1800s.