You're not exactly investing in gambling itself; rather, you're investing in gamblers. It's somewhat akin to being a loan shark, observing them play. When they run out of funds, you step in to offer cash, likely with a higher interest rate given the high-risk nature of the loan.
It's commendable that you ensure proper risk management by requiring collateral. It seems like a lucrative business, especially since gamblers may be tempted to try their luck again, especially after a tough gambling session when they're eager to bounce back.
Every business is risky, but in some casinos this would be riskier. As you don't know the stuff the person you're dealing with is made of, I've thought of the possibility of running such a business. Yet in most cases where the gambler takes a loan and after playing for long wins exactly the amount that can be used to pay back the loan. How would they feel? like they're doing the gambling for their lender to profit. Some other players may be too dull to pay back the loaned money as, it'll turn to serious argument and quarrel. The only good aspect of such a business is asking for a collateral, instead of money. This will make the player to pay back, to be able to get their property back. In all, It's a nice initiative, and he already knows where he'll get his target audience.
But I'm curious how do you do it? Will you offer it to those who gamble at the casino or will you rent a shop near the casino that provides fast disbursement loan services?
If a gambler gives a loan, he will gamble again with that money because his intention will be to recover his previous losses with that money and then return the loan money and gamble again with his dividends to make a bigger capital. But these remain only dreams for them as things never go according to plan. Gambling never guarantees winning, so gambling with your own money or gambling with a loan is risky. But if you gamble with your own money and lose, you don't have to answer to anyone. However, if you lose by playing on loan, you have to be accountable for it
I think he can have a legal team, to handle anything that requires disagreement in the business. Definitely it'll be on the rise, but if he manages well the business will grow real fast. Also allowing the gamblers enough time to pay back their debt is cool and restricting them from abusing the loan. I mean targeting people who can't manage their emotions is a bad idea. It's like taking advantage of their vulnerability, which is not a good way to do business. Even at the law court, with a good lawyer, they can have a good stand in winning a case. For instance, targeting an addict, to make profits out of his problems. He'll definitely fall for the deal, but what happens when the person isn't able to pay back and decides to give up life. Wouldn't it be a bigger problem at the end of the OP. He'd be on losing side and most people would blame him for lending out the money knowing that the person is an addict, who can't control his emotions.