^^ Regardless where gambling originated, China or India or ancient Middle East, gambling has been ingrained with humanity since the dawn of man. Perhaps our ancestors really found out a clever way to dice, whether to used it for entertainment or other purposes. And this is how we involved, and this is also the same reason why it's hard to get rid of gambling because it's already on our DNA as per our ancestors.
Indian culture is very rich in gambling and so does Chinese, but likewise there are two group in India - one who gamble and the other who do not.
Those who gamble also are forbidden in their culture. So even if the people gamble but they have this guilt feeling at the back of their mind. That they might loose their hard earned money.
Most religions have, along with the theology and the principles of the corresponding god or gods, some short of moral code that comes attached as a way of keeping the peace in the community of followers, and, to be honest, to favour those that dictate the rules. In that code, it is usual to mention the basics: not killing, not stealing, ... Some religions take that a notch further and pretty much ban anything that is fun. I am not sure the gods want us to be bored.