There are few professional gamblers who are able to live by the earning of gambling only. But its not possible to everyone and its really impossible to recover back the loss in the gambling. I would also suggest its better to invest rather loosing the money into the gambling. If someone is playing for fun and if he can afford to loose the certain money then its absolutely fine.
I know that there are professionals that are able to survive and made gambling as their source of living. They are the very few people that has a good fortune and life with gambling and yes it is not applicable to many people. It's either they are dedicated with it or it's just about luck. And that's why for those people that are unfortunate with gambling, investing is the alternative.