Can not disagree with you. Not everything or everyone gambling related should mean something bad. Not everyone is losing in gambling or bothers about money after all. Some find gambling as a relief after working day. Someone finds spinning ball in roulette or slots as a meditation. Some people love to count cards to make their brain work, sort of a solving crossword puzzles but with money. Not everyone translate everything into monetary terms - it is ok to spend money; it is ok to spend money while trying to earn money.
One of main ideas why people consider gambling bad - because they lose money. Loosing, means they have less money. If that is like that, then think about any other form of entertainment. You need to get there, get back, buy ticket or pay for service. Same idea of doing something and getting less money in the end. Then why nobody consider attending converts, events, movies, going to work after all as something bad.