What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
betting
Example
I enjoy betting on horse races. [betting: gerund or present participle]
Example
He placed a bet on his favorite team to win the game. [bet: noun]
wagering
Example
They were wagering on who would win the poker game. [wagering: gerund or present participle]
Example
He made a wager with his friend on the outcome of the basketball match. [wager: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Betting is more commonly used than wagering in everyday language. Betting is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, including sports betting, casino games, and informal bets among friends. On the other hand, wagering is less common and is typically used in more formal or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between betting and wagering?
While wagering is generally considered more formal and is commonly used in legal or official settings, betting is more casual and commonly used in everyday language.