Same thoughts as mine, gambling ads are everywhere perhaps he doesn't go out much or doesn't make use of gambling sites to actually come across them. Gambling has a different mental effect from drinking but they are both deadly. Gambling addiction can lead to a lot of self destruction that may result to suicide and excessive alcohol consumption can affect your organs which may lead to death, so they are both dangerous
You're right. In gambling the ads cannot be controlled, very high billboards, famous influencers, popular website and even football jerseys are medium for advertisement. It's a normal thing now and can be seen almost everywhere we go.
What makes gambling more dangerous is the mental health. When one is addicted it damage the persons silent till it become worst. Many relationships are broken because of gambling and still people are still finding a way to come out of depression as a result of gambling.