There’s really no definite explanation whether an instinct can be reliable in gambling, or a distraction either. But I must say, when it comes to gambling, you have to be open on both, winning and losing, and if you feel betting according to your instinct, then go but do it with caution. Bet only on the amount you are comfortable of losing. Since there are times that instinct can bring luck in gambling, and there are times too that instinct can only be a a misleading factor when gambling.
In my own opinion, instincts should not be relied on because there is something about gambling which is that anything you program your mind to accommodate is what you will always fall for. Using instincts in gambling can make you not to believe in the reality of what is obtainable in your judgements about some certain events because you will always depend on your instincts instead of being open to ideas about how to go with your gambling activities. Gambling is a game of chance and should be treated with carefulness not to allow your emotions to control your decisions. It is better to follow gambling with the reality of how it ought to be, than to follow what you feel it's right which if it doesn't work, it becomes difficult for you to deal with.