Anxiety affects gambling, especially the constant mental pressure of what if that goes through one's mind!! But normally it is not like that for everyone. I think for some people anxiety makes them more cautious and less likely to even consider taking big risks!! so they might gamble small and safely. .. But surely for others gambling becomes a way to escape the anxious thoughts within them that eagerness and rush of placing a bet and focusing only on the game can feel like temporary relief... The problem is that the relief is short-lived and once the game is over then booom!! the anxiety often comes back stronger, especially if the money is lost to the bet. Thatx why in many cases gambling doesn’t cure anxiety but actually makes it worse in the long run...
So in my opinion! Gambling and anxiety can create a cycle!!!! you gamble to distract yourself but then the consequences add more stress  which in return leads you back to gambling again and again...