The most common way to say "gambling" in Spanish is "juegos de azar." This directly translates to "games of chance" in English and is the formal, widely accepted term used across Spanish-speaking countries.

Alternative Spanish words for gambling include:

• Apostar: To bet or gamble (verb)
• Apuestas: Betting or gambling (noun)
• Jugar: To play (can refer to gambling in context)
• Jugadas: Plays or bets
• Ludopatía: Gambling addiction

In different Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear these variations:

• México: "Apostar" or "jugar" are commonly used
• Spain: "Juegos de azar" or "apostar" are standard
• Argentina: "Apostar" or "jugar por dinero" (play for money)

When referring to specific types of gambling, Spanish speakers use these terms:

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

To use these terms in a sentence:

"I like gambling" = "Me gusta jugar juegos de azar" or "Me gusta apostar" "He's gambling at the casino" = "Está jugando en el casino" or "Está apostando en el casino"

Remember that in formal contexts or legal documents, "juegos de azar" is the most appropriate term, while "apostar" is more commonly used in casual conversation.

For clarity, whether you're in Spain, Latin America, or any Spanish-speaking region, these terms will be understood, though regional preferences may vary slightly in everyday usage.

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