The article actually has a pretty good explanation for this- part of it is the social aspects of the games. Spending big allows one into higher-tier VIP clubs.

The article actually has a pretty good explanation for this- part of it is the social aspects of the games. Spending big allows one into higher-tier VIP clubs. So there can be friendships that have developed where, in order to maintain status and stay in the same league as your friends, one needs to maintain spending habits.