it's all gambling, when you buy a stock...you are speculating that current/future dividend payouts will make the price you bought in worth it. (the overwhelming majority of which, dont pay anything).

have you ever read into the history of stock markets? they originated as gambling dens for old-rich people to rip off new-rich people, that core idea has never left the casino. stockholders are bagholders to be screwed over and manipulated, the last ones holding nothing when a company goes tits up. (now, if the company is in good hands...then it might actually be a good bag to hold)

settling for some 10-20% gain in a bull-market via an index fund, just means your playing without understanding all the rules.