I also believe that life is always a gamble, In doing decision you should make it and sometimes you don't know if you have done the right thing or not, You can surely apply to gamble in everything that you decide, You should always believe that there is no turning back there is no reverse in life if you do anything stupid there is no rewind to bring you back in time just like in gambling if you lose your money there is no chance in regaining it all back again,
Well in apply gambling with games definitely we can sure gamble with friends and there should be stakes prepared for it because if there are not that is not gambling but only a game that doesn't have any consequence or risk involve.
That's the truth, and what matters more is that you learn from your mistakes. Its good that we have the same outlook that you shouldnt regret the things you did. I think in life, its important to experience mistakes before anything else because the next time you encounter, you would know what to do.
I like to think that you could help friends with their habits but there are just some people who won't help you. The truth hurts but it's better to know things to improve yourself.