1. Gambling in fact has many negative externalities. If someone gets addicted, the likelihood is much higher to be depressed. Depression is factor, which leads to high costs for the society.
That's right but that can happen with any addiction, if someone is addicted to drugs it's even worst. I am not advocating for gambling but unless addicted, people can enjoy gambling just like they enjoy trips and other forms of entertainment.
I agree gambling is not coming for free of cost still I guess spending some money for entertainment purposes is not a big deal for most people with respect to their upper living standards. So, enjoying gambling within a limit and not getting addicted to it by playing it responsibly are the few things, every gambler must need to remember always while engaging in gambling.