The perpetrators even went so far as to change the name, from "gambling" to "gaming," which they seem to think is more benign. IDK how much difference that has made, but if you hear someone talk about "gaming" you know he is not neutral, but a shill for the industry. Take what he says accordingly.
BTW, my opinion on gambling is that it is a lot like drugs or alcohol: it’s a diversion or entertainment when used occasionally in small doses, and most people can take it or leave it, but some people will become addicted to it. OK, maybe you can’t really be “addicted” to gambling by the strict meaning of the word, but clearly some people have great trouble controlling themselves when it comes to gambling. And they will do things to keep getting their fix that they never would have done otherwise.
That’s not to say that I would prefer gambling was re-criminalized, but I do find it ironic that the same governments that are forever trying to protect us from ourselves by stamping out smoking, discouraging drinking, prohibiting drugs, passing seatbelt and helmet laws, etc, seem to be doing everything it can to promote gambling, despite knowing the destruction it causes in some people’s lives. I see little difference between a drug addict and a gambling addict, in terms of the harm done to themselves, and the harm they cause their families, friends and communities. Well, except that I’ve never heard of anyone embezzling a quarter million dollars to support their drug habit.