gamble

A risky action or decision that could bring a good result.

• Starting a business was a gamble.
• Her gamble paid off when sales increased.
• Would moving abroad be too big a gamble?

How to use it: a gamble on something (The investment was a gamble on future demand.)

Similar words: risk

Common phrases: take a gamble, big gamble

A bet made in the hope of winning money.

• I had a small gamble yesterday.
• His gamble on the race cost him twenty pounds.
• She enjoys an occasional gamble at the casino.

How to use it: a gamble on something (He had a gamble on the football result.)

Similar words: bet, wager

Common phrases: a small gamble, gamble on horses

To risk money on a game or event, hoping to win more.

• He likes to gamble at weekends.
• They gambled on horse races.
• Have you ever gambled in a casino?

How to use it: gamble on something (She sometimes gambles on football matches.)

Similar words: bet

Common phrases: gamble on horses, gamble for money

To take a risk because you hope for a good result.

• We gambled on better weather.
• She gambled her career on the new company.
• Would you gamble with your family’s future?

How to use it: gamble on something (They gambled on a rise in house prices.); gamble with something (You are gambling with your health.); gamble something on something (He gambled his savings on the project.)

Similar words: take a risk

Common phrases: gamble on success, gamble with something