gambler

Everyday

1. A person who plays games of chance for money, such as cards, betting or slot machines. tree →
2. A person who takes big risks hoping to win something. tree →

In the lessons

In stories gamblers win and lose money on cards and horses; in maths and safety lessons pupils learn that in gambling the house usually wins, and the chances of losing are high. Phrases: «a heavy gambler», «a gambler's luck», «problem gambler».

Examples

• The gambler lost all his money on one bet. tree →
• Most gamblers lose more than they win. tree →
• He's a bit of a gambler — he took a big risk with his business. tree →
• In the story, the gambler bet his horse on a card game. tree →
• A gambler bets $10 and loses; he has $10 less. tree →
• Gambling can become a harmful habit. tree →
• The luck was on his side, and soon the money of the other gamblers found its way from their pockets into his. tree →

Note

From the verb «gamble». Not the same as «gambol» (to skip and jump about, like lambs), which sounds the same. In maths, probability shows a gambler's chance of winning; a fair coin wins half the time, not more.