Except those things actually fuel the economy and reward entrepreneurs vs enriching a "house" that contributes very little.
When I buy options contracts as a trader, I'm speculating the price will go up or down. I'm not adding anything productive to the economy. For me to win, another trader must lose.
But I'm still gambling on an outcome in a zero sum game. What is the purpose of anti-gambling laws? To protect the common man? But the state is okay with you losing everything on stocks? The point is its an unjust hypocrisy.