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I think it's pretty clear from the article that Costa Rica is a horrible place. The corrupt internet casinos that operate there are only a symptom of it. They enable Americans to taste a small amount of the misery that exists there.

The issue of gambling addiction is separate and not really elucidated in this article. Obviously, a legal, regulated industry would be better; but it doesn't seem to be an option. The article also does not discuss the moral implications of a game like poker, where most of the addict's money is lost to other players in a fair, competitive game. So, although I think the OP's question is an interesting one to consider, his story really is not a very good starting point.