Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Gamble in Spanish: Apostar
Apostar · verb · ah-pohs-TAR
Apostar is the Spanish verb meaning to gamble or to bet, used for both literal wagering and figurative risk-taking.
ah-pohs-TAR
No deberías apostar tanto dinero.
You shouldn't gamble so much money.
Gamble in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for gamble, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| apostar | gamble | ah-pohs-TAR | Default, widely understood |
| jugarse | gamble | reflexive, risk sense |
How Native Speakers Use Apostar
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Casino setting
Le gusta apostar en las carreras de caballos.
He likes to gamble on horse races.
Describing a betting hobby.
Figurative risk
Se jugó todo al abrir su propio negocio.
He gambled everything by opening his own business.
Taking a major financial risk.
Friendly bet
Te apuesto diez dólares a que gana mi equipo.
I bet you ten dollars my team wins.
Making a casual wager between friends.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Apostar
Stem-change error
Incorrect: Yo aposto que lloverá.
Correct: Yo apuesto que lloverá.
Apostar is an o-to-ue stem-changing verb — in the present tense it becomes apuesto, apuestas, apuesta, apuestan.
Confusing apostar with jugar
Incorrect: Vamos a jugar dinero en el casino.
Correct: Vamos a apostar dinero en el casino.
Jugar means to play, while apostar specifically means to gamble or wager — use apostar when money is at stake.
Lock in Gamble Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Apostar used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using apostar in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear No deberías apostar tanto dinero. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Gamble in Spanish
- How do you say 'gamble' in Spanish?
- The verb is apostar, which covers both placing bets and taking risks — it is an o-to-ue stem-changing verb.
- What is the difference between apostar and jugarse?
- Apostar is the standard word for betting, while jugarse (reflexive) emphasizes risking something valuable, as in se jugó la vida meaning he risked his life.
- How do you say 'gambling' as a noun in Spanish?
- The noun form is el juego de azar or simply las apuestas, depending on whether you mean games of chance or the act of betting.