gambling always has risks, dont actually waste your time on gambling, but poker is actually not a bad way.
I dont think its something that people want to waste time on but more of an mixture of different elements.
You got the following:
1. Desperate / young trying to make quick money
2. Addiction
3. Boredom and other associated problems that relive stress
As for the safe methods - theres is none and the title op should edit knowing this since its called a "gamble".