I’ve played kvitlach for years with my dad– for matchsticks (actually, Othello pieces). I’ve played with my siblings, my cousins (boys, but that’s really a matter for that other thread) and a few friends. If you’re playing with money then I can see your point, but the game itself is completely fine and actually pretty fun! (except that I always lost).
As far as playing for money, a better solution might be that everyone puts in a dollar or a candy or something and the winner gets all (like in dreidel). That’s what my cousins did once they wanted to gamble but their parents didn’t let.