Why focus so much on individuals? Look at the countries where gambling is 100% legalized, such as Macau and Monaco. These countries have become super-rich due to the tax revenues from casinos. Also, huge number of jobs are created as a result of gambling.
Yes some countries have legalize gambling, but still they have restricted the under age people from visiting casino and play gambling there. I think t hat it is a good decision it can prevent young people from wasting their time by visiting casinos.
SOme countries want revenue but some countires want to save their tradition they can make money in some other way than ruining the people's life too.But most of the people playing in that country were foreigners so it is like a visiting spot so it is not fit for all the places if they want to create jobs and revenues there were lot of ways also available.
Yes, the fact that he has won just a little amount of money over time, does not mean he would keep on winning forever and that is the issue with a lot of gamblers since once they have a small win, they feel comfortable, assume they have got the best strategy to keep winning the house edge until they get to learn the hard way and the unfortunate part is that it is one thing to be able to learn the hard way and it is one thing to be addicted already based on one's previous mentality.
Effects of gambling may seem positive in the beginning days as beginner's luck may work for most of the gamblers but over-time it will show its cruel face like making gamblers addicted to it and then getting suffered in all means.