But the transactions are often risky bets on the future.

Companies in industry segments that have held their own over the last few years are a less risky bet, too.

Though major investments are on the line and the box office won't share the wealth evenly, these aren't exactly risky bets.

But starting a new network is a risky bet.

As a young woman from a struggling third world country, she looked like a risky bet to the official who interviewed her.

That makes the phone sector look like a riskier bet.

Small companies are much riskier bets than such large enterprises.

"There's no evidence that going with an Intel competitor is a risky bet."

Moreover, derivatives are only one way to make risky bets.

"This is a very risky bet at the wrong time," he said.