Dotsie,
My son is 21 and started playing poker in the 3rd grade! His teacher let them (not for money of course) at recess. He has been playing ever since. He hasn't found a game here in NC yet but I'm sure he will.
At his graduation party, they had a huge game going and one of our friends is a cop and he was playing with them...LOL Anyway he said, it was better for them to be inside someones house (usually mine) playing poker than out on the streets doing God knows what.
All of the boys parents knew what they were doing and we all agreed that it was the lesser evil. I always warned him about gambling more than he could afford and they are all still good friends so I guess it worked out okay.
I think gambling is the same as any vice. As long as its done in moderation its alright.