I dont buy this story of people gambling for fun because no one plays to make losses in the name of fun. As far as I know There is nothing more thrilling than making some profits from gambling which to be honest is the real fun here.
I don't see anything bad with spending real money to have fun in gambling. Just make sure that money spent is really just your extra and not needed to pay for expenses.
I agree At the end of it all gambling is all about entertainment and if one is able to spare some money then its okay