gamble
noun [ C, usually singular ]
uk/ˈɡæmbl/ usan action that involves risk but that could have a good result:
Homebuyers who are willing to take a gamble that interest rates will stay low can get a mortgage at less than 3%.
The gamble paid off and the President's reputation as a strong leader was enhanced.
a big/huge/massive gamble
gamble
verb [ I or T ]
uk/ˈɡæmbl/ usto do something that involves risk and could fail but that you hope will succeed or make money:
gamble on sth He gambled his political future on the success of the project.
gamble with sth The President warned Republicans not to gamble with Medicare.
Investors gambled that the US interest rate rise would be the last one this year.
Large numbers are gambling on the house price boom - a gamble they may regret if prices fall or interest rates rise.
to risk money, for example in a game or on a horse race:
In the 2000s casinos began to spread, providing alternative places to gamble.
Phrasal verb
gamble sth away