realizing that it's most useful for insider gambling

That's how I feel about the stock market. Maybe consistent investing long term in an index fund, like the S&P500 gives you a chance at fair play, but still, the big boys run the show and they know so much more about what's going. It just leaves me with a foul taste.

As for gambling: I basically don't do it, but not because it offends me. I just don't do it. My husband has explained one reason to bet a small amount on a game is that then the game is more interesting. That seems to be the case with you. The few dollars you put down heightened your interest and made the competition more fun.