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@Agbe Gambling is a game of chance. It has helped some people and it has ruined some people who don't understand its concept. Therefore, I don't agree that gambling is a shortcut to poverty because there are many things (like alcohol, smoking, hard drugs, being an enthusiast of luxury lifestyle, etc.) that are shortcuts to poverty but the main reason behind it is lack of knowledge and wisdom.
Your points are also correct and I said so because of the way gambling has eaten some people very deep like a cankerworm. And those who are addicted to gambling and they are not from the upper class in the society is very hard for them to make it for life. But when the opportunity comes they win big. But it is a rare story from the gambling games. And apart from gambling another thing that is shortcut to poverty is drugs. Those who are addicted with drugs always want to be active with drugs so they can't stay without drugs. And from my observation, smoking is accomplished with alcoholic drinks. Those who smoke, always use alcoholic to step down the smokes in the lungs. Yes, wisdom and knowledge is needed and that should be a responsible gambler chat can think of this to overcome addiction on those elements.
I understand the reason behind your statement which is due to people who are negatively affected by gambling but we can't say gambling is their problem because the main source of their problem is themselves, and until they are already to set things right before they can overcome the side-effect of gambling.
Honestly, if we're to talk about things that are shortcuts to poverty there are many but I come to the conclusion that whatever is it we're doing in excess can technically lead to poverty and this is why I believe the wisdom and knowledge are needed in every area of our lives.
Having said that, most people don't notice that smoking and alcohol are the number one money-wasting things in the world. Despite the marketing that says it is not good for health, and how it was not allowed to be placed publicly at the bar the tobacco, and liquor companies are making billions of dollars every year.