Your view of gambling as chilled-out leisure paints an alluring picture but not without risks. Things get messy when the initial excitement of risk-taking turns into a fixation. Saying that only a few gamblers can stay in control is a big understatement. Many studies reveal that most people can't recognize when they've shifted from a good time to an addiction. Their brains link the thrill of the gamble with happiness, complicating quitting. Though gambling for fun with self-restraint seems feasible, it overlooks the potential destruction of addiction. It's essential to highlight that for many, gambling isn't a simple toss-up between enjoyment and gain. It's a psychological trap causing deep financial and emotional issues.
I guess it still depends on the person's gambling habit. If a person is disciplined enough, then there should be little to none to be worried about regarding financial and emotional matters because in the first place, you'll just bet and play with limitation and moderation. Gambling isn't entirely bad. As a matter of fact, some have gambling as their way to detoxify from their problems. It just becomes bad the moment you do it excessively and irresponsibly. Sure, gambling is exciting, thrilling, and fun, but you also have to set boundaries for yourself in order to gain good things and not the bad consequences.