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And normally there are chat boxes in online casinos where you can chat with people too. I personally enjoy chatting in poker rooms, and I wouldn't say those the only places I chat with gamblers. Dice lovers are pretty nice to chat with too.
But for some gamblers, they prefer to play at offline casinos because there they can interact more realistically with other players, unlike interacting online where it is very limited to just the chatbox. They can interact directly and listen to various stories from other people or from dealers - and that makes them enjoy gambling more.
No online conversation can be compared to physically interacting with people around us, it helps in making the gathering livelier. But looking at the Op's point of view, in a world where some viruses and transmittable diseases circulate around the society, most times it's best not to get involved in conversation around a clustered environment. If going to such environments is the only option, then playing online is a better way of dealing with such a situation. No need feeling comfortable around noisy environments. Op's thread is as though an eye opener, for gamblers who spend their time in an overcrowded shops or casinos.
Although the game doesn't seem interesting when gambling alone, unlike in casinos where we've got other players around us, who can chime in new ideas or strategies. And enlighten us on factors that could help in achieving a comfortable gambling lifestyle. I think Op's friend should look into his health and that of other people around him. Considering the type of sickness he's suffering from, engaging in a place like that, will only worsen his situations.