Ya. I think it is a twin of humankind. It is not only in one country but everywhere. I wonder even simple games they use in gambling. Many form, many ways. It seems that life with out gambling is boring or games with out money involved is not exciting.
I think it's "boring life needs gambling"? Most of the gambling is from a game, a contest, it just so happen that they have to put a bet. Gambling is already part of the culture of so many people, it is already in their culture, any contest, that would amuse everyone, people will bet on it.
But gambling before is not as vicious as it is today. people value their money and properties too much before that if they are going to bet, it should be on something that is memorable and most of the time they themselves are at stake, and not just for the sake of raking money.
I guess there is no difference. The reason why gamble was labeled as game for adult and have a negative remarks is due to the history of lots of people get hooked and addicted that eventually ended to the addicted player losing all his financial capability and ending up broke. Worst they commit suicide because they cannot bear the shame of the things they had done because of their gambling addiction.