you are correct, a gambler who's afraid to take risks already lost because he won't play at all
the key is learning to manage risk and not spending it all, avoiding ruin is also necessary all times and really important to be able to stay in the game
it's easier said than done and most will fail, but some will be able to succeed
All of this comes down to proper risk management. Risk and financial management are two very important areas and by the way this can be applied not only in gambling but also in business because it works the same way in those fields. In fact it also applies to trading. I have said many times that all of this proper management comes down to the discipline of the player. If a player is able to be consistent and able to skillfully control their emotions and their finances they will never allow themselves to take on too much risk. And it is exactly this that over the long run can keep them from making foolish decisions in order to achieve results.