Making paper airplanes from dollar bills, and setting their backs on fire to give them jet engines, is likely cheaper and more entertaining, so if you're gambling anyway, you've already lost, period.
and perhaps somewhat safer
Cheaper, yes. More entertaining, not for a lot of people. Many play the same way you'd play a video game, with the actual stakes giving it a bigger rush. Enough that some become addicted.
If it weren't fun it wouldn't be nearly as big a problem.
But if you don't win, where's the fun in that? Do you consider other ways to part with your money also as entertainment? Is donating entertaining?