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Its interesting that you can list out all good sides of gambling for all those who criticize it to know. The only challenge I see with gambling is with those who do it excessively. The game is meant to be entertaining, make money, make new friend, and just have fun. Gambling game started even before money was invented.
Our fathers/forefathers played it in the traditional way and there was no record then of them playing excessively, it was all for fun and loses has always been a part of the game but back then people dont gamble with their savings, or sell properties or even borrow. They only play with what they can afford and no stress when they loose but I think greed has taken over the gambling industry and many who now see it as a source of income.
Everything is good if it is in moderation. Gambling is a way of releasing stress in old times just like what you said and its meant to be entertaining. But now that there are a lot of people getting addict because of the attractive pot money, gambling becomes a bad image. We should always think to go to casino to have fun, not to earn money.