We cannot equate gambling with formal work, even though I am not a gambler but I feel gamblers have chosen their way of life as possible, because they know how bad gambling if they lose, and from that loss they continue to gamble and keep trying to earn / seek profit from gambling even though they realize it is very difficult.
Out of not being sensible, a lot of people have always equated gambling with normal work and some would even tell you it is an investment and as long as you stay positive and you are persistent, the chances of profiting from your investment is going to be huge.
With this kind of mentality, they end up getting totally overwhelmed with their thoughts of getting rich hugely with gambling to the point that when they start getting addicted, coming out of it becomes a serious thing. Addiction don't usually just start over night, it takes consistency in doing what is affecting your mental state and then becoming a part of it totally.