This question is always on my mind since then until now. I want to know the opinion of everyone here on this platform. I know that we have all different perception about gambling, so I respect what will be your point of view about that.
I think that the border between threat and fun is hairs breadth, one day you are having fun then the next day you are addicted. I consider gambling as a threat because this is is just an elaborate ruse for the businessmans to get the consumers money. You might be having fun, but that is because you are playing with your friends but when you are not playing with friends then you will lose track of how long you have been playing so I consider it a threat.
Playing together with friends doesn't guarantee your safety. It's not unheard of that friends are encouraging each other to gamble more, or to make higher stakes.
I suggest to count on yourself only, when dealing with this sensitive matter. You yourself
can be that friend, in the best sense of the word, who helps others to not turn their gambling into disaster, but you can't count on others to do the same.