Stakes

A stake could be a wooden or metal post with a point on one end, or, more likely in this forum, a stake is something of value that depends on the outcome of an event, adventure or competitive situation.

In the second definition, stakes are the result, emotion, or thing that can be gained or lost, when you take chances. 

Stakes are why we compete, why we go on rollercoasters, why we watch sports and why we sweat before job interviews.

When stakes are involved, it follows that risk is involved.  When assessing risk, keep the stakes in mind, too.