Ok you are gambling just for fun, your friends and neighbors knows that and a friend invited you to his party to be one of the candidates as a councilor and campaign will start in 6 months, now, of course, you need to have a good reputation, will you stop gambling just to have a good image this coming campaign and how will you defend yourself if accused as a gambler.
I don't think it will be hard for you to stop gambling if you only and "truly" do it for fun. I've know gamblers that always say they are doing it for fun, but I assure you it will always show if you are out of control. A gambling addict can never stops gambling whatever the consequences he made to his/her family, friends and other people. It will always show.
If you really want to run for the campaign and the gambling side affect your reputation, you can always stop it and prove you are not an addict. Its a proof of your commitment to be a public servant. If they still continue to accuse you, provide great platforms, great service. Think of the brighter side that you stop gambling for fun, always remember that a pathological gambler usually progresses from occasional gambling to habitual gambling.