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.
I think dragging their father in here's wrong, we never can tell the role he has played in ensuring that the desist from such lifestyle to no avail.
Obviously, the mother is the boy's role model yes, and she's a very bad influence. But, come to think of it, what if the son influenced his mom??