Damn, now I want to play blackjack.
I enjoy going to casinos from time to time, can't complain about the free drinks either.
I went through a phase a few years ago where I went to the casino on a weekly basis. I used to have a routine where every Thursday night a friend came to pick me up to go to the local casino, we always smoked a fat spliff in the parking lot just before entering. I used to spend hours playing blackjack, mostly betting the minimum amount...
It's an interesting experience but IME it doesn't compare to having a poker night with some friends.
I could definitely feel the addictive pull though, but it also made me realize that money wasn't my main focus, I just liked to win. It didn't matter how much I made, as long as I won something... That realization probably saved me a lot of money.
I also used to play online poker, often while high on stimulants. I wouldn't call poker gambling though.
I do sympathize with people who have gambling issues, I know it can be very addictive and it can really make you lose everything (sometimes even faster than drugs).