I gamble! Or used to gamble. Every year my husband and I would go to Las Vegas (we married there in 1973). He's a poker player. I would play the slots. But never did I expect to win, although the euphoria of a 'hit' would temporarily dazzle me.
I had a budget. Always I exceeded the budget, but not by much. It was vacation and I was spending recreation money. When I returned home I recovered. 😄 My husband, on the other hand, continues to play poker. I think if you are a skilled poker player it's quite different from gambling. As you say, every investment is a gamble, but a skilled player is investing in himself. In 50 years, my husband has never lost the grocery money🌻, but he has made friends and had a lot of fun.
Well poker is a bit different because you play with the opponent emotions and a lot of times it’s not the cards that matters but how you play them ! Gambling from time to time money you don’t care to loose and have fun in the meantime it’s a really nice way to gamble !