But people generally do not play for research purposes. People just place bets more or less randomly, lose money and claim that they enjoy it. Is this stupidity or deceit? Maybe such people like the atmosphere of the game? But then why not play free games? But no, gamblers rarely play free games?
Happiness is priceless. People gamble and lose money from it but the thrill and enjoyment they get can't be replaced by other activities that others do.
It's the same as other hobbies where some may seen as a waste of money. Each of us has that hobby that we are willing to spend money in exchange for pleasure.
What's important is you spend responsibly in a way that it doesn't compromise your life and personal responsibilities.
What you said is absolutely right, there is always something out there that we individually will be willing to spend money on just for the pleasure we derive from it, this activity may be shopping for some people, or traveling for other, while for other people, it maybe a certain kind of handwork which they have to learn, and some may love to go to the movies, now coming down to what is being discuss, some may actually love to spend that time and money on gambling with no expectations of getting anything back as a reward, this is what is called or referred to as gambling for fun.
It is not a must and mandatory to gamble for the money, and some people, free games aren't as exciting as playing gambling games, this is why most people who gamble for fun will always turn to gambling games regards of the fact that they would love money.