I'd say video games are probably the next best thing.

They offer some degree of thrill and can pump you full of adrenaline. That's true especially for horror games and battle royale type of games like modern warfare where you feel alone on the battlefield with other players looking for you.
They allow you to relax if that's what you need.
You don't have to leave the house, so it's accessible 24/7.
When you find the game you like they allow you to immerse in the world and forget all your troubles.

The downside is they're also addictive, especially MMOs, so if you have trouble with gambling addiction it's possible you'll turn one into another.