From my perspective, it’s best not to pay attention to what others think or say. Gambling is a sensitive topic, and people won’t spare you from criticism, even if you try to show them you’re playing responsibly. Maybe they’ve seen bad examples in their lives and hold certain biases, so whatever you do, explain, or show...nothing will change.
No, you are wrong. Criticism from the outside is always necessary. For what purpose? So that a person does not fall into the abyss, as happened to me many years ago. At that time, I really needed money for gambling and began to borrow it from everyone. That is, I had a specific addiction and only people close to me helped me realize that I had gone down the wrong path. I came to my senses in time, but it was still too late. I still had to pay off the debts. How ashamed I was then in front of those people who found out that I was losing their money in a casino. They thought that I was borrowing for a good cause. That is why you should know about this not only personally.