Investors who buy the bonds are essentially betting that an earthquake will not hit Mexico in the next three years.

Purchasing a REIT fund is essentially betting on the housing market.

Traders report that, through back channels, they were warned against selling short on the shares, essentially betting that the price would fall.

Professional short-sellers essentially bet that stocks will fall in price.

Speculators in Greek bonds, meanwhile, are essentially betting on events that will not occur for two or three years.

It is essentially betting on someone else's expertise and ability, so knowing the entrepreneur is a definite advantage.

Investors are essentially betting that the company's funds will attract an outsized share of money coming into the market.

"Investors should be aware that they are essentially betting on the direction of interest rates," Ms. Allen said.

Essentially betting that the amendment will pass, the country's media giants are preparing for the future.

The S.E.C. is especially wary of any transactions involving insiders selling their own company's stock short, which is essentially betting against the company.