I couldn't really tell how hard it is because I really enjoy my work,
But I also consider it as a hard earn money since I also spend time and effort for it.
But this wouldn't really stop me from gambling because if I am being stress out from my work or family problems gambling is one way to relieve the stress.
That's because it seems like you are earning more than you require in life and hence you feel like gambling is not a problem and you can gamble when you are stressed while the example in the OP seems like he works very hard for money and sacrificed his 2 hours of sleep which usually most western guys would never do for 20 bucks. Hence, I feel that knowing how hard it is for you to earn money can restrict you from gambling up to a certain level but that only works as long as you just earn enough for your needs. Once you are earning more than the necessity then the extra amount always goes into gambling/drugs or maybe other addictions and hobbies.
Hence, I often feel like hard working people are more active and physically and mentally fit.