I think that is a perfectly fair view but my concern is that this system is essentially taxing people who seem to have some kind of genetic make up. Also, this is true for certain kinds of food but the level of harm with gambling/psuedo-gambling is far higher. I don't like the conclusion any more than you do...but I don't see the alternative. The precise point is that these transactions aren't voluntary or anywhere close to it. Overloading charities is quite pointless (it isn't related to welfare either, poor people generally do not have the resources to really get in deep).

You have been downvoted because people think your PoV is illogical. It is also worth remembering that certain countries have tried to regulate this kind of stuff, and it hasn't worked at all. So I think the only option is to ban or permit and actually ensure that people who aren't making a voluntary transaction are getting help (to be clear, every country that I am aware of that tried to take half measures hasn't done the latter, the UK is a good example where gambling companies are actually taxed profits to fund gambling addiction...most of this money has disappeared into other parts of the govt health system).

You want to live in a society where the irresponsible are left to starve? Are you sure?

Sorry. It takes two to tango. If you are playing these games you are most likely to lose money. Just like stocks or crypt or anything too good to be true.