A man may think of gambling as his entertainment when he feels bored at work. Here the gambler will find at least some human solace but it is expected to be a personal matter but indirectly contribute to the society to some extent. However, we know directly about some things such as when a casino is opened, employment will be created there, government institutions will get tax and various types of business can be created around that casino. These are directly related to the development of the society. There are many places in the world that people know only for the casino. So I think gambling has immense importance socially as well.
Usually the reason why gambling is legalized is not because the government thinks they are opening a goldmine and will make so much money. The reason is that if they don't legalize it, the black market for gambling opportunities will explode and spread like wildfire especially on the Internet. That's why some states legalize it and raise a certain amount of tax on the activities or winnings and profits made by the casino if they are registered correctly.
Really no government (maybe except for Las Vegas) thinks about casinos as valuable employers. The tax money that casinos pay is used to cure the problems that casinos create. It doesn't contribute to society in a net positive way.
Many governments and businessmen think about gambling as a valuable activity for the local economies of their areas. I remember during the pandemic news about closing physical casinos in Macau were shared here, due to coronavirus spread. Then many people got shocked and worried, because Macau's economy fully relied on gambling tourism to survive. Most local citizens would lose their jobs and income, directly or indirectly. Gambling is essential on their lives and the government must be aware about it. That is how they boost the local economy with foreigner income.
Some countries export goods to another countries to boost the economy. In their case, tourists go to their region and spend all their money at casinos, hotels and restaurants. Without gambling they would be doomed.