From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
gamble
n 1: money that is risked for possible monetary gain
2: a risky act or venture
v 1: take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome; "When you
buy these stocks you are gambling" [syn: chance,
risk, hazard, take chances, adventure, {run a
risk}, take a chance]
2: play games for money
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Gamble \Gam"ble\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Gambled; p. pr. & vb. n.
Gambling.] [Dim. of game. See 2d Game.]
To play or game for money or other stake.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Gamble \Gamble\, v. t.
To lose or squander by gaming; -- usually with away.
"Bankrupts or sots who have gambled or slept away their
estates." --Ames.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Gamble \Gam"ble\, n.
An act of gambling; a transaction or proceeding involving
gambling; hence, anything involving similar risk or
uncertainty. [Colloq.]
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]