Yes, when the centurions "cast lots" it was gambling. When the Apostles "cast lots" it was a method of balloting.
Why does the NAB and KJV use different language?
Luke 23:34 (NAB) [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."] 5 They divided his garments by casting lots.
John 19:24 (NAB)
So they said to one another, "Let's not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be," in order that the passage of scripture might be fulfilled (that says): "They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots." This is what the soldiers did.
Acts 1:26 (NAB)
Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
Since you know much more than I (your statement), you must know the different usages in throughout Scripture and, of course you know the different wording in the original Greek, and the Vulgate.
Where is your evidence? Why doesn't the dictionary capture this idea of "lots" being used to vote? Is there a reference somewhere that shows this?
SD
From The Thomas Nelson Open Bible Study Notes:
The casting of lots was a custom or rite used in ancient times to make important decisions, much as we practice drawing straws or flipping a coin today. Several examples of this practice occur in both the Old and New Testaments.
Lots were cast by the high priest to select the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement. (Lev 16:8-10). This method was also used to divide the land of Canaan after its conquest under Joshua (Num. 26:55,56; Josh. 14:2). Lots were cast to select warriors to fight against the men of Gibeah (Judg. 20:9,10) and apparently to choose Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Sam. 10:19-21). Sailors on the ship bound for Tarshish with Jonah on board used lots to determine who had caused the stormy seas (Jon 1:7).
In the New Testament, Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments (Matt. 27:35). After prayer, the apostles used lots to choose Matthias as successor to Judas (Acts 1: 24-26).
We can only speculate about what materials were used in the casting of lots. Some scholars believe several stones, or perhaps precious gems, were cast from a clay jug. Others connect the practice with Urim and Thummin, precious stones that were on, by or in the breastplate of the high priest of Israel. The high priest used these stones in making important decision, but it is not known exactly how this was done (Ex. 28:30).
"The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."
Proverbs 16:33 demonstrates above that casting lots was not considered magic, because the decision was from the Lord.
I'm not sure how good the source is on this. I'll look for more.