Inklingo

How to Say "gambling" in Spanish

English → Spanish

apuestas

ah-POO-ehs-tas (like 'a-pwest-ahs')/aˈpwes.tas/

nounB1general
Use 'apuestas' when referring to the general concept or practice of betting, especially in plural form for collective activities like sports betting.
A close-up view of two cartoon hands shaking firmly over a small pile of gold coins and colorful betting chips on a green felt table, representing wagers placed.

Examples

Las apuestas deportivas son muy populares en este país.

Sports betting is very popular in this country.

Perdí todas mis apuestas en la carrera de caballos.

I lost all my bets on the horse race.

¿Cuáles son tus apuestas para el resultado final?

What are your predictions (bets) for the final result?

Always Plural for the Activity

When talking about the general activity of gambling or betting, Spanish almost always uses the plural form, 'las apuestas', while English might use the singular 'betting'.

Using Singular for the Activity

Mistake: “La apuesta es ilegal.”

Correction: Las apuestas son ilegales. (Use the plural noun when referring to the general concept.)

juego

/khweh-go//ˈxweɣo/

nounB1general
Choose 'juego' when discussing gambling as an activity that involves betting money, often highlighting its potential as an addiction or a pastime.
Two hands placed on a green felt table, with one hand pushing a small stack of shiny gold coins toward a pair of red and white dice.

Examples

El juego puede ser una adicción peligrosa.

Gambling can be dangerous addiction.

Perdió todo su dinero en el juego.

He lost all his money gambling.

jugando

/hoo-GAHN-doh//xuˈɣan.do/

verb form (gerund)B1general
Use 'jugando' when describing the ongoing action of someone actively betting money, functioning as the present participle of the verb 'jugar' in this context.
Two adult hands placing a stack of golden poker chips onto a green felt table, representing betting.

Examples

Él estaba jugando todo su sueldo en la lotería.

He was gambling his entire paycheck on the lottery.

La policía intervino el casino donde estaban jugando ilegalmente.

The police raided the casino where they were gambling illegally.

Linking to Money

When 'jugando' means gambling, it usually takes a direct object (the money or object being risked), unlike when playing a sport.

Noun vs. Verb Form

Learners often confuse the nouns 'apuestas' and 'juego' with the gerund 'jugando'. Remember that 'apuestas' and 'juego' refer to the activity of gambling itself, while 'jugando' describes the action of someone currently gambling.

Related Translations

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