Gambling has to be approached from a perspective of having fun, engaging in a game of strategy, pushing your limits of risk, adrenaline rushes when you're putting it all on the line, and the sweet sweet feeling when it pays off. It's like any other game, only it involves money. Consider it a barrier to entry, sort of like running and working out a lot to become a good athlete for other sports. In this case you just need money!! Seriously though, a weekend of it isn't going to hurt anybody as long as he doesn't go betting his life savings.