"To gamble is to risk anything of value on a game of chance or on the outcome of any event involving chance, in the hope of profit." --Peter Arnold "The Encyclopedia of Gambling" Collins 1978
"Gambling under the common law is any activity in which: (1) a person pays something of value, called consideration; (2) the outcome is determined at least in part by chance; and (3) the winnings are something of value." --J Nelson Rose "Gambling and the Law" 1986 Gambling Times Inc at page 75
Participation in games of chance. An entertaining activity, due to a fluke in human psychology that makes people enjoy a bit of uncertainty.
Over the long term, most people lose money at gambling, but in the short term, there are drastic fluctuations both up and down. Know the odds, don't play with money you can't afford to lose, and don't let gambling rule your life.
Casinos make a business of helping people gamble, and assisting them in losing their money. There are also bookies for betting on sports, racetracks for betting on greyhound and horse racing. And if all else fails, start a poker night with your friends.