Synonyms:
gambling, gaming, play
Meaning: the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize); "his gambling cost him a fortune"; "there was heavy play at the blackjack table"
Usage examples
In fact, it almost upset my balance, and I entered the gaming rooms with an angry feeling at my heart.
What pretensions has a man to our generous assistance or good offices, who has dissipated his wealth in profuse expenses, idle vanities, chimerical projects, dissolute pleasures or extravagant gaming?