How can two persons be so addicted to gambling that they'll go to such an extent? Apparently the mother is definitely not a good role model to the son. The son definitely needs a strong father figure which is what he lacks. I don't like the punishment or fine give to them. It is not going to be in anyway effective. Their punishment could have been rehabilitation and community service.
Maybe, they have an internal problems at their home. And they thought that through gambling they can solve their problem and it will an answer to their other issues. But it happen that they become addicted and that's not good because not only the mother is addict it is also become her son. Their family went to a lot of course and they needed counseling as well.