I had a case of compulsive gambling in the past. At one time in my life, I lost everything that I personally owned. I was so devastated from the incident that I got into a serious anxiety and as I kept my gambling a secret I couldn't share it with my parents or friends and it kept getting worse. Ultimately I took help.
Compulsive gambling and hiding it would not only make you lose your wealth but might also destroy your mental health. There are several cases of suicides and homicides relating to gambling. It's preferable to share your gambling hobby and budget to your dear ones so that they'd be there to prevent you from getting addicted to it.
It is not good to keep your gambling habits a secret, especially if you are addicted to gambling because it can damage your mind. It cannot be denied that when you talk about your gambling habits, you will most likely be blamed if you lose, but when you win, some people definitely want to enjoy the results, therefore it is better to talk about gambling with people who gamble together so that if something goes wrong they can control themselves properly. OK, usually fellow gamblers are no longer a secret because when they win or lose, they always tell it so it doesn't become a burden.
Discussing gambling habits with people who also gamble can create a support system. Though, this doesnt always work. Why? Because, lets be real; gamblers often encourage each other to take risks, sometimes recklessly. So, transparency among gamblers isn't the holy grail.
Now, if you want to gamble healthily, focus on setting limits - time & money. Keep track. Document wins & losses; its more than just storytelling among friends, its financial hygiene. Also, entertain the idea of involving a third-party in the conversation, like a financial advisor or a psychologist specializing in addiction. They provide objectivity. Trust me, dont just rely on your gambling buddies to be your conscience; widen the net.