~OP~
What protects me from foolishness in gambling is deposit limits and responsibility for my family. When I didn't have a family of my own, I could spend half my salary on gambling. Sometimes I actually did that. When I finally started a family, I stopped spending so much money on gambling, because most of the money I earn is needed to provide a decent life for my family. That's why I sincerely don't understand people who spend their last money on gambling instead of buying something necessary for their family.
Yeah, family can be our reason from stay away the foolishness that we did in the past. We may think our family need something from our income and that can hold us to spend more money in gambling. If you have a child below 5 years, you will remember his funny face and want to give something to your child. You may delay your gambling activity because of your child or family so that make you think that you don't have to spend much money in gambling because you want to use that money for your child.