My question is, isn't trading almost like gambling considering it uncertainty and also looking from the fact that he has lost a fortune out of trading within a short space of time?
Is it possible for him to easily recover his money back or is losses like that very much a part of the trading experience?
Trading is a complete different ball game compare to gambling though both requires analysis before taking a decision, however trading both crypto and forex trading is an art that requires acquiring some valuable knowledge before becoming a consistent and profitable trader it's a lot of years of experience to become a profitable trader I believe that is why your friend is determined and insistent on trading though he is trading the most volatile pairs gold and BTC, I believe it's because he had already lost $5K that is why you classified trading as gambling, it is very possible that he would recover his lost fund, personally I will choose trading instead of gambling being a trader myself as well as a soccer gambler.
Trading will only be like gambling if you go into this activity without any weapon to use, like your knowledge about the market, the coins you want to trade with. It is like you are jumping blindly here. But if you will employ your experience, your knowledge about TAs, and have good background about the projects, I believe you have a better chance on this aspect of crypto business.
In gambling, especially if you play on luck-based games, you only need luck to win. Whereas, in trading, you need knowledge, skills, and strategies to win or earn profits. Meaning, it is not all about luck to come out alive in trading. However, ask yourself if you are up to this kind of game, the stress and the sleepless nights just to make an analysis of what's going on with the trading market.
In trading, if you won't give up early and instead hone your skills and knowledge, the possibility to recover your earlier losses is I would say very high. Because as you go thru your trading journey, you will understand more about the market and so you can deploy your own techniques to gain profits. At this time, you are not relying on your luck anymore but on your knowledge and tactics about the market.