Our fathers/forefathers played it in the traditional way and there was no record then of them playing excessively, it was all for fun and loses has always been a part of the game but back then people don’t gamble with their savings, or sell properties or even borrow. They only play with what they can afford and no stress when they loose but I think greed has taken over the gambling industry and many who now see it as a source of income.
Actually there have been a lot of accounts of gambling being the reason for people's financial demise even back in the days. People losing businesses, properties, even slaves due to gambling losses. Greed has always been a part of human nature and gambling is one of the top causes of people succumbing to greed. That's why it always had the negative image portrayed to many people.
That cannot be denied many people been drowned to financial struggles, due to gambling addiction. All those reasons linked to financial trouble caused by gambling wasn't able to intercepted by a person who performed the game. Most of them let gambling controlled them, without any idea that in the future it will be their worst nightmare.
I think nobody will promote gambling, when their experiences was bad but maybe for those first timers who unexpectedly won for random winnings will try to gather companionship from new gamblers. But, It's not guaranteed to be constant in the long run due to big risk involved which is money.