Well, gambling friends ain't no good in here, I think. Because they are only your friends if you give some portions of your winnings, if you don't, then you're just nothing like a stranger to them. There will always be acquaintances, but don't treat them like your real friends.
I'm not sure if the same works in other places/countries. I'd rather have to gamble alone, because I don't like talking too much while concentrating on something where my money is on the line lol.