Gambling house Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽฐ
Add to dictionary

gambling house

[หˆษกรฆmblษชล‹ haสŠs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

place where people gamble

A gambling house is a facility or location where people go to participate in gambling activities, such as playing card games, betting on sports events, or spinning the roulette wheel. These establishments typically offer a variety of games of chance in exchange for money or other valuable items.

Synonyms

betting establishment, casino, gaming house.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
gambling house

This term is quite broad and can refer to any place where gambling activities occur. It's often used in formal or legal contexts.

  • The authorities raided an illegal gambling house downtown.
  • He lost a lot of money at a gambling house.
casino

This term is the most common and is used to refer to a place where various gambling activities, like card games, slot machines, and roulette, are available. It's often associated with entertainment and luxury.

  • She spent the evening at a casino in Las Vegas.
  • The new hotel has a large casino on the ground floor.
gaming house

An older term that can be used interchangeably with 'gambling house' but often has a slightly more formal or historical connotation.

  • In the 19th century, many gaming houses operated in the city.
  • He avoided the gaming houses after a big loss.
betting establishment

This phrase is typically used to describe places specifically focused on betting activities, such as horse racing or sports betting. It's often less formal than 'casino'.

  • They went to a betting establishment to place bets on the football match.
  • He frequently visits the local betting establishment.

Examples of usage

  • The gambling house was filled with excitement and tension as players wagered their money on the poker table.
  • Many people visit the gambling house hoping to strike it rich with a lucky bet.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Gambling has existed for thousands of years, dating back to ancient China, where tiles were used for a rudimentary game of chance.
  • The oldest known gambling house in history is believed to be established in Venice, Italy, in the 1638, known as the Ridotto.

Psychology

  • Many people are drawn to gambling houses due to the thrill of risk and the potential for winning, which can release dopamine, the 'feel-good' chemical in the brain.
  • Gamblers often fall into a 'gambler's fallacy,' believing that past wins or losses affect future outcomes, which can lead to irrational betting.

Economics

  • Gambling houses can have a significant economic impact by providing jobs, generating tax revenue, and attracting tourism.
  • The odds in a gambling house are carefully designed to ensure that the house always has a mathematical advantage, often referred to as 'the house edge.'

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Casino' and 'Rounders' have depicted the high-stakes world of gambling houses, showcasing both the glamour and the dangers of gambling.
  • Popular games in gambling houses include poker, blackjack, and roulette, each with its own set of rules and strategies.

Origin of 'gambling house'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'gambling' comes from the Middle English word 'gamblen,' which means to play games of chance.
  • In many languages, a gambling house is often referred to by words that mean 'place of wager' or 'place of bets.'

The concept of a gambling house dates back centuries, with various forms of gambling establishments existing in different cultures around the world. In some societies, gambling houses were associated with luxury and entertainment, while in others, they were seen as dens of vice and corruption. Throughout history, gambling houses have been subject to regulation and prohibition, reflecting changing attitudes towards gambling and its social impact.