This is not a case of being addicted to gambling. There are people who are actually in control of their gambling habits or addiction. For instance, they do not gamble beyond their budget; they commit an hour or two to gambling per week or twice per week and strictly adhere to it, among all other things. We have heard and read stories here and out there about how gambling ruins lives, careers, relationships, throws people into debt and more. But my question is, could this be happening to everybody? Has your responsible gambling habit had any positive effects on your relationships with your spouse, kids, parents, and others? Has it improved your finances and helped you stay out of debt? Has it improved your mental health and well being in anyway? Has it been able to help you meet an urgent need? Let's discuss.
Of course not. Only about 5% of gamblers(it's 2% to 8%, depending on the area) are problem gamblers. Most people just gamble like you said, an hour or two per week, and some of them just buying lotteries once per month and that's their gambling.
Positive effects you ask? Lots of them. I wouldn't say I'm in big profit from my gambling for 10 years almost, but that's money-wise. I had dozens of hours of good time, that's for sure. If I lose $30 in a week, but then another week I win $30 with betting just 10 cents, I feel good, right? No money won, but I feel good.