Maybe the reason why the OP wanted to compare between the two, futures and gambling, is that futures is like a gamble.
As you don't know about the future performance of the project, you are left to speculate on this and take a dive with futures.
However, the more knowledge and insights you have with the project, the better your chance with futures.
Unlike in gambling, particularly with luck-based games, no matter what research or strategy you will apply on your games, if it is not your luck, you can't get your winnings.
And do remember, it depends on the person himself, how he is patient in learning with the project. Because it would take time before you can truly understand what's going on with the project.
I do not understand what project you mean. The OP is talking about futures trading and gambling. although futures trading requires skills and market analysis. but still, more beginners just make predictions and even randomly place positions without doing an analysis. it's just like gambling.
so for beginners who do not have trading skills. Futures trading does look like gambling. but different for those who are professionals. this is what distinguishes luck in futures trading and also gambling.