Final answer:
Gambling in Pompeii revolved around gladiatorial games, chariot races, and other public spectacles, where betting on outcomes was common and gladiators were popular figures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gambling in Pompeii was often centered around gladiatorial games and other entertainment events, such as chariot races and theatrical performances. These activities drew large crowds and created an atmosphere conducive to betting and gaming. Gladiators, like the noted Celadus the Thracian, were not only fighters in the arena but also symbols of desire and the subject of various forms of wagering. Advertisements for gladiatorial games, similar to the graffiti ad from Pompeii for a munus in Nola, indicate their popularity and the potential for gambling activities surrounding these events. Moreover, with the vast array of entertainment options in Roman cities, from circuses to theaters, there were numerous opportunities for gambling on outcomes or simply enjoying the thrill of the games.