If you have ever been to a casino in the United States you will notice people like Ralph (fat, loud, slovenly, etc.) are a dime a dozen as they wander from machine to machine or table to table with a glazed look in their eyes. Certainly not everyone is like that, but you can't throw a rock without hitting one. I guess it shouldn't be all that surprising that he has blossomed into one of those white trash zombies
I am really excited to see where this arc takes us. You'll know it is getting bad (for him, good for us enjoying the show) when the trips are no longer to Vegas, or even Atlantic City, and instead are to places like Reno, followed by local injun casinos and card rooms
Remember Ralph, you got to spend money to make money!