That seems a reach to say the popularity of kalshi and polymarket is down to gambling simulators.

Id wager (heh) that it's much more down to a lack of regulation combined with the normalisation of influencer driven get rich quick but pretend it's clever investing that exploded in popularity with crypto and wallstreetbets style influencer investing. Combine that with house prices being where they are and people get risky with investing as their hope outstrips their caution.

I don't think a few rounds of balatro or slotomania leads to that.