For me it hasn't been life changing, because on long run I'm losing more money than winning. At same time, I don't consider it a hurting experience, because every risks taken and money gambled were calculated, so I just bet with money I can afford to lose and that I won't miss or regret later. I still expect gambling to be a life changing, though, as I hope to win a decent lottery prize someday.
It honestly changed my life on a small scale, if I thought I was spending a nominal amount a month, and if I bought it towards something maybe it would be more useful, or the money I used to gamble I could save for the future. Even though I am a gambling player, I have to be realistic about this, and I will not deny it.
Winning big bets won't be easy, even just one of the many very lucky people, and I was one of those unlucky ones. But indeed the pleasure cannot be compared to anything, and for now I have not been able to get out of gambling, but I can still control myself and I gamble with money that I am ready to lose. So it's fine for me personally.