Don't EVER think you know shit about gambling. There will ALWAYS be someone better and odds are always stacked against you. That's how gambling dens make money otherwise they wouldn't bother operating if there are so many "skilled" people out there.

When I was young, every year I sit down to play mahjong with my aunts and my eldest aunt will say, "Here to give me ang pow again this year?". Which is 99% true because I will kalah all my new year money to her.

The best advice is don't even start. But if you're already knee-deep in it, the next best thing is find other ways to get your adrenaline fix. Maybe try playing competitive TCGs or esports. At least those have a hardcap in spending and there is real skill involved.