How to Say Gambling in Spanish: Translation and Meaning

How to Say Gambling in Spanish: Translation and Meaning

By Michael Harrison

January 30, 2025 at 02:31 AM

The Spanish word for gambling is "juegos de azar" (pronounced hweh-gohs deh ah-sahr). This is the most common and formal way to express gambling in Spanish-speaking countries.

There are also several other Spanish terms related to gambling:

• Apostar - To bet or place a wager
• Jugar - To play (often used in gambling contexts)
• Apuestas - Bets or wagers
• Jugada - A play or gamble
• Garito - Gambling house or casino

In different Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear various colloquial terms:

• Mexico: "Echar las cartas" (playing cards for money)
• Spain: "Hacer apuestas" (placing bets)
• Argentina: "Timbear" (informal term for gambling)

When referring to specific types of gambling, you can use these phrases:

• Casino gambling - "Juegos de casino"
• Sports betting - "Apuestas deportivas"
• Card games - "Juegos de cartas"
• Slot machines - "Máquinas tragamonedas"
• Lottery - "Lotería"

Remember that "juegos de azar" literally translates to "games of chance" and is the most widely accepted formal term across all Spanish-speaking countries. This term is used in legal documents, formal settings, and general conversation.

If you're traveling to Spanish-speaking countries and need to discuss gambling, using "juegos de azar" is your safest bet as it's universally understood and professionally acceptable.

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