Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| juego de azar | /xweɡo de aθaɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /xweɡo de asaɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| escolaso | /eskolaso/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| apuesta | /aˈpwesta/ | feminine |
The term for gambling depends on whether you are referring to the general concept or the specific act of placing a wager. Juego de azar is used for the activity itself, while apuesta refers to betting or a specific bet. The phrase casa de apuestas is the standard way to say a betting shop or a gambling house.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase juego de azar literally translates to 'game of chance'.
Which one should you use?
While juego de azar refers to the general activity of gambling, apuesta refers to the specific bet or the act of wagering.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear juego de apuestas used to refer to gambling instead of juego de azar. In Argentina, the term juego is often used to refer to gambling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form apuestas is often used to refer to the concept of gambling or betting in a general sense, such as in the expression dejar las apuestas (to quit gambling).
How do you pronounce it?
/xweɡo de aθaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word azar in juego de azar actually comes from the Arabic word for 'the dice', specifically az-zahr. This explains why the English word 'hazard' shares the same linguistic roots.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of gambling is often discussed using the word suerte, meaning 'luck'. A person who gambles frequently might be described as buscando la suerte, or 'searching for luck', rather than just 'gambling'.
- While juego de azar refers to chance, the word azar is used in Spanish to describe 'fate' or 'destiny' in general. This means a gambler is not just playing a game, but is literally playing with fate.
Examples in context
- Fueron las apuestas que lo llevaron a su ruina.It was gambling that brought about his ruin.This sentence shows how apuesta can be used to describe the cause of ruin.Tatoeba #1287618 by marcelostockle, translation #285165 by CM
- Deja las apuestas.Quit gambling.This sentence uses the plural apuestas to express the idea of quitting gambling.Tatoeba #1267331 by marcelostockle, translation #1267033 by Scott
- Eso no es más que publicidad en vietnamita de una casa de apuestas.That's nothing more than an advertisement in Vietnamese for a gambling house.This sentence uses apuesta to describe a gambling house within a larger context.Tatoeba #13477776 by Seael, translation #13477786 by frpzzd
- El juego de azar está regulado en este paísGambling is regulated in this country
- Las apuestas deportivas son una forma popular de juegoSports betting is a popular form of gambling
- Voy al casino a disfrutar de los juegos de azarI'm going to the casino to enjoy the gambling games
- Los sábados por la noche, nos juntamos a echar una partida de pókerOn Saturday nights, we get together to play a round of poker
- Voy a probar suerte en las máquinas tragamonedasI'm going to try my luck on the slot machines
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a new law about casinos.
- ElenaEl gobierno quiere regular el juego de azar.The government wants to regulate gambling.
- DanielCreo que es una buena idea, Daniel.I think it is a good idea, Daniel.
- ElenaPero el juego de azar puede ser adictivo.But gambling can be addictive.
- DanielExacto, por eso necesitamos leyes claras.Exactly, that is why we need clear laws.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gambling” translations and entries juego de azar, apuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apuesta, azar, de, juego, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
