Gambler

[gam-buh l] /ˈgæm bəl/

verb (used without object), gambled, gambling.
1.
to play at any game of chance for money or other stakes.
2.
to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance:
to gamble on a toss of the dice.
verb (used with object), gambled, gambling.
3.
to lose or squander by betting (usually followed by away):
He gambled all his hard-earned money away in one night.
4.
to wager or risk (money or something else of value):
to gamble one’s freedom.
5.
to take a chance on; venture; risk:
I’m gambling that our new store will be a success.
noun
6.
any matter or thing involving risk or hazardous uncertainty.
7.
a venture in a game of chance for stakes, especially for high stakes.
/ˈɡæmbəl/
verb
1.
(intransitive) to play games of chance to win money
2.
to risk or bet (money) on the outcome of an event, sport, etc
3.
(intransitive) often foll by on. to act with the expectation of: to gamble on its being a sunny day
4.
(often foll by away) to lose by or as if by betting; squander
noun
5.
a risky act or venture
6.
a bet, wager, or other risk or chance taken for possible monetary gain
n.

1747, agent noun from gamble (v.).
v.

1726 (implied in gambling), from a dialectal survival of Middle English gammlen, variant of gamenen “to play, jest, be merry,” from Old English gamenian “to play, joke, pun,” from gamen (see game). Or possibly gamble is from a derivative of gamel “to play games” (1590s), itself likely a frequentative from game. Originally regarded as a slang word. The intrusive -b- may be from confusion with gambol. Related: Gambled; gambling.
n.

“risky venture,” 1823, from gamble (v.).

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