He did not invest his fifteen thousand, but drew upon it continually to satisfy his last new craze.

It was not with any hope of winning that he gambled--the desire of money was never strong in him--it was only the love of the excitement of the moment.
Little by little the fifteen thousand in the bank dwindled.

It did not all go in cards.

Certain habits of extravagance grew upon Vandover, the natural outcome of his persistent gambling, the desire of winning easily being balanced by the impulses to spend quickly.

He took a certain hysterical delight in flinging away money with both hands.