To me there's a huge difference between gaming (video games) and gambling. I know no one who gambles so I wonder about the environment of those you know.
Gaming? It depends on the game if I like it or not. With my first computer, I played Wolvenstein and so did my child. We didn't became addicts and also not game fanatics. Can be we simply have too many interests?

I don't think gaming is worse than smoking except for the frequently annoying sounds it doesn't affect my health. The smoker does. If he smokes he does not only put his own healt on stake (I am totally fine with that) but also (if we may believe the studies even more) the health of those who are forced the sit and live in the smell and smoke of smokers.

Gaming can be very relaxing and good to destress. If it comes to children I wonder why they have a phone and surf the internet to buy games. Do those children have a credit card as well?
By the way: watching films, writing, eating too much, Steemit, it's all addictive too, not to forget to mention the 24/7 staring at a screen.

P.s. According to doctors here gaming is good for training your eyes to be focussed.

A Toddler's game