博徒|ばくとbakuto[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. noungambler

• SynonymギャンブラーNeutralLoanword for a gambler, whether a keen hobbyist or a professional player; more modern than 「博徒」 and free of its old underworld flavor.
• Synonym勝負師しょうぶしNeutralNeutral term for a bold risk-taker who takes on big challenges, often a shogi or go player or an athlete; usually carries a positive nuance.
• Synonym賭博師とばくしWrittenWritten/formal prose and rare; stresses someone who lives off gambling as a profession, with less of the gangster flavor 「博徒」 carries.
• Related博奕打ちばくちうちCasualColloquial word for someone who makes gambling their trade; same meaning as 「博徒」 but more everyday in tone.
• Related渡世人とせいにんCasualColloquial, with a period-drama feel; covers gamblers but also yakuza and people without a regular job, while 「博徒」 refers specifically to gamblers.
• Related鉄火打ちてっかうちCasualColloquial but rarely used; refers to a person who pursues gambling as an occupation.

For someone who lives by gambling — especially the gambler bands of the Edo period — use 「博徒」, which is written/formal. In modern speech say 「ギャンブラー」, colloquially 「博打打ち」; for a daring risk-taker, 「勝負師」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 博打ばくちを打うつ者もの。ばくちうち。