I like to play this game but not involving any bets whether it's money or cigarettes, only the punishment that must be done by the losing player. Once in a while I experience what you said by seeing a group of people playing the game involving bets, the bet is money where there is an amount of money determined by each player and for the winner he gets it all. I admit this game is fun, I myself like traditional games like this.
As far as I know, this kind of game can be played with a minimum of 4 people because I always play this game with three of my friends sitting in a circle. However, I think not all countries may play this game as gambling, some may prefer to do it in a physical casino.
Such games are commonly played by people in the village. although using bets but if it is not shown and does not arouse the curiosity of others, adding some money or cigarettes as a bet is not a problem.
I often play this kind of direct game with people in my environment. I am quite comfortable with this game because everyone will bet in small amounts. no one will intentionally bring large amounts of money to play. Games like this are clearly just for fun. gathering with friends to play cards while some others play chess. that usually happens in my environment.