If it matches the definition of hobby then probably you can consider gambling as a hobby but it's a destructive one and in my opinion, it shouldn't even be considered a hobby because that's just watering down on the words that would fit better which is addiction. Maybe some wouldn't agree about my opinion but there are other things that you can use as your hobby that's not consuming of your money, time, and sanity, you can read or write, play games, learn something that would benefit your life, there's so many things that you can just do for free and consider a hobby, why choose a self-destructive one?
that's okay, everyone will respect your opinion mate. We have our different point of views when it comes to gambling, there are instances that we take it as a normal hobby especially if you do it when you have spare time, but we can also considered it as a part of addicted activity because it really is. It depends on us and the intention of a person what will be our perspective on gambling.
The problem is, everyone has different preferences. there are those who like reading, painting, or other things and so on. however, even so, they will at least spend money in exchange for their hobby. big or small the value of the money spent, that is objective. if you like reading, someone should buy books to read, for example. Likewise with writing and painting, everything requires funds. There are also those who like vehicles, collectors, who of course will sacrifice money in exchange for satisfaction and enjoyment. Whether it is useful or not, it all comes back to each individual. After all, we cannot generalize about liking something. In essence, everyone has something different and so does what they like. Let's just say, you like reading, but I like fishing, you can't force me to follow your passions and hobbies, the same goes for what I do. I can't force a hobby that I like. For this hobby, we have and get different climaxes.
OK, now we're talking from a gambling perspective. There are many who like to gamble, but they don't necessarily have a hobby of this game. there are many reasons and factors that could be the reason. For a simple example, someone who gambles may aim to win or earn extra money from this activity. yeah, despite every risk. On the other hand, there are also those who like gambling and make it a hobby. For example, I really love sports, especially football. It's as if football has been a part of us from an early age. enjoyment of football, can be involved with betting. the reason is simple, none other than to increase enthusiasm when watching and increase adrenaline, there is a climax that I get from what I do. but don't get me wrong, this has nothing to do with addiction. now that we are talking about the title of this thread, is gambling a hobby? the answer is up to each person. also, how he views gambling from different points of view. for me, betting can be said to be part of the hobby. whatever response to the contrary, that is their right and I am not responsible for it.