
How to Say Gambling in Spanish: Translation and Meaning
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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