verb
1.
to engage in a game of chance for something of value
swore he would never gamble for high stakes again
Synonyms: bet, game, lay, play, put (on), set, stake, wager
Related Word: chance, hazard, lot, risk, speculate, venture
Idioms: buck the odds, take a flyer (on), try one's luck
2.
to take a chance on something
gambled on the train being late
Synonyms: chance, hazard, risk, venture; compare venture 1
Related Word: brave, challenge, dare, defy, face; endanger, imperil, jeopardize
Idioms: go it blind, take a chance ( or one's chances), tempt fortune, trust to luck