Basically all decisions are in the hands of each gambler and we cannot force them to choose one of them between keeping it secret or publicizing it, because as we discussed that most likely someone makes a decision depending on how the situation is in their environment, like you where you prefer to keep it secret because you feel uncomfortable when someone mocks you, and it doesn't matter because everyone is free in terms of making the best decision according to them.
We can easily decide to keep gambling activities secret or public, it all depends on personal decisions based on environmental factors, work, religion and perhaps other factors involved in financial losses. However, some people prefer to keep gambling a secret to other people because they don't want the predicate of gambling to be involved in someone's behavior, but in countries that have gambling regulations, there will be many people publicizing gambling even though they have to comply with strict regulations.
It's also crucial that a gambler doesn't talk to close friends about his habit, not to influence the person into gambling. Some players got addicted to gambling because they weren't guided by the informant on ways to escape addiction. However, these people, non-gamblers, may have not concluded on becoming a gambler, by just seeing adverts. Humans are easily influenced by friends or family. It's valid not to open up for this purpose. I could remember trying to gamble for the first long time ago, because a friend showed me his winnings. That was a drive to get me into gambling, but I didn't hold enough resources and wasn't prepared towards gambling habit. Although not everyone feels comfortable telling lies whenever they're asked or need to discuss how they got money for some expenses. So, they spill it out immediately to clear or remove a doubt. It's fun to share information with people, but talking to non-gamblers about gambling can destroy their life. If they must participate, they all need to mind the game and focus completely.
So, you think gambling should be secret? Hide it, prevent 'contamination'? What a backwards thought. Silence breeds issues, not solves them. Addiction grows in the dark, unquestioned
You mention influence, which is real. People are influenced by friends, family, and ads. But hiding things from adults like kids? This is disrespectful and dumb. This
don't discuss it and it'll go away strategy won't work
Your story about seeking that huge win, that feeling? It's genuine and dangerous. Staying mute just shows the good side, the dream of easy money. This is dishonest and sets individuals up to fail. We need the whole picture: the wins, the losses, the real deal