i think as long as we can considering to playing gambling to having fun with our friends and we are enjoy the games, its not wrong to us and of course we should realize that we don't have to spend much money. but for some people, although they realize this, they still keep playing gambling without stop for a while when they loss and they are risk their money to trying to get win. for the other people, they thinking that gambling is wrong because they can ruin their life and they will come back to home with empty pocket.
Exactly those who spoil their life in gambling for them gambling is wrong. We will see this kind of gamblers a lot in the gambling world. And also there are many gamblers play gambling just to have some fun and time pass. For what purpose we use gambling will tell gambling is wrong or not.
It is all in perspective so it depends apon who you ask. For some people it is wrong for other it is not by default. Then as you say others are swayed by previous experience and emotions. People like to look at the worst of every situation though it's human nature to do so.
If gambling is for fun and entertainment purpose then there is nothing wrong in gambling with a small amount but if you are addicted to gambling and depending only on it for living then only god can help your as in long run you will surely loose everything that you have and one day you will be begging on the streets for a piece of bread.
Only when you start skipping work and meeting with Important people or gong on outings it becomes a problem. When you spend time gambling instead of first doing your responsibilities that is the problem. If you can handle that then it is fine.
Sometimes people just want something to boame instead of themselves to feel better I guess.