It was a fun reading OP. I think at some part of our life, we all gamble, like you said in a different manner. Last year when I got selected in 3 different companies, it was a gamble or a sort which company I shall join. When I was a kid, I gambled which friends to make and as an adult, we gamble which life partner we pick. It's a gamble in all parts of our life, sometimes calculated sometimes blatant gamble but we all gamble.
There is nothing wrong with gambling either, that is why apart from a few countries it's legal in most countries. Addiction to gambling is bad, no doubt about that. If you have earned money you have the right to spend it in whatever manner you want, be it drinking or gambling or anything else as long as it's not illegal.
Yes, we all gamble in real life, living is a gamble because we never know what the future awaits us.
Gambling is just a game, if we consider it as entertainment, then it should not be different from going to a movie house paying money to be entertain.
it's just that gambling is more entertaining for gamblers as they are a thrill, and of course, with the chance of winning, that makes it more thrilling.
I'm a gambler and I'm proud to say I don't have any gambling problems now.