It is true that loneliness and isolation might increase the risk of problem gambling. One argument is that when individuals are lonely, they may resort to gambling to fill a hole or feel more connected. However, it is crucial to understand that not everyone who is lonely develops a gambling addiction. And not everyone gambles because they are lonely. So, while loneliness may be a risk factor, it is not the sole one.
It's also crucial to recognize that gambling addiction is a multifaceted problem. It's more than just winning and losing money. Genetics, mental health, and environmental variables are all potential contributors to problem gambling.