Leeb W, I think that your analysis is correct except that you have the “some people” and “most people” reversed. Most folks go to casinos for entertainment and excitement and don’t gamble more than they can afford to lose. Some people can’t control themselves and get into trouble.
From a halachic perspective, my opinion is (and i’m sure some of you will be fighting to be the first to disagree with me) that recreational casino goers are not considered mesaseik bekuvya and are not pasul l’eidus.