Gambling, the betting or staking of something of value, with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on the outcome of a game, a contest, or an uncertain event whose result may be determined by chance or accident or have an unexpected result by reason of the bettor's miscalculation.Gambling games can be decided by chance, such as a random throw of dice or a ball on a roulette table. Or, by skill, training, or prowess at athletic contests.
Gambling games can be complicated by the rules that govern them. These depend on skill and chance so some players may be able manipulate the game to their advantage. Thus, knowledge of the game is useful for playing poker or betting on horse racing but is of very little use for purchasing lottery tickets or playing slot machines.
A gambler may participate in the game itself while betting on its outcome (card games, craps), or he may be prevented from any active participation in an event in which he has a stake (professional athletics, lotteries). Without wagering, some games are almost meaningless or dull. Other games, such as horse racing and football pools, do not require betting.
Commercial establishments such as casinos and racetracks may organize gambling when a portion of the money wagered by patrons can be easily acquired by participation as a favoured party in the game, by rental of space, or by withdrawing a portion of the betting pool. Some activities of very large scale (horse racing, lotteries) usually
