Can someone still develop the habit of gambling and become an addict even though no one around gambles?
Humans are social being, if others in the society are not around gambling then I think gambling addiction will not survive for long. And gambling comes from thousands of years ago, so I think some changes may come as a result of the change in environment, but it will not be possible to turn gambling off. If anyone wanna know the history of gambling please check this topic
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5405436.0Indeed, humans needs social relationships, if nobody around to gamble with you, then I guess gambling won't be as fun as it is. Thus, addiction won't be developed as competition and excitement to play will never be developed as well.
Our life here on earth is actually like you're gambling. You make certain decisions that you do not know the outcome. I am not reading that history you shared, but IMO, gambling was derived through life experiences.