I know that gamblers like to think that if they are ahead, they are playing with "house money." Maybe he won some contest that gives him $100 a day for life or something like that.....
/s
I've played some cards occasionally through my life, and generally, you bring X, and 'expect to lose'. AKA: You don't need that money for.. whatever else.
Either way, a lost $100, is a lost $100. Breaking even, after playing for a few hours, is when it becomes... "Free". Though, if you look at the statistics, almost no-one EVER walks even. Generally, half should win and half should lose, if people play the 'good' games. (Not accounting for the <1% house edge, on games like craps or blackjack)