Gambling..fun or waste of money?

I've gambled twice in my life. Once one night on a cruise ship with DH (one hand of roulette because we were drinking, we won $41 then went to bed), and once I went to Las Vegas for the weekend and played in this slots tournamet where you paid $100 for 3 nights stay at the hotel and got entered into the tournament. We had fun both times, but I'm not a huge gambler.

But it got me thinking. We probably live close enough to Atlantic City for a weekend getaway. But I'm wondering if it's worth the weekend? Las Vegas had lots to do with shows and just walking the strip. Honestly we spent more on a show than DH did on gambling ($20 versus $200).

But is gambling fun or a waste of money? Do people go to casino/resorts to gamble or just relax and gambling is a by product of the weekend? Do you have a budgeted amount to spend on gambling and when it's gone, you're done?

Obviously gambling is a huge money maker or else so many casinos wouldn't be around, and states wouldn't have the lottery. But is it your hobby? Do you enjoy it? I wonder if I had more disposable income if I would do it? I do want to see Atlantic City though.