Well, I don't think it's a scam because of Bitcoin's actual purpose. It was supposed to be used as a legitimate form of alternative currency.
Speculators have decided that it's an investment, which changed all the dynamics. I still use it for it's original purpose, but I think Nano is far superior (and faster) alternative for it when using it for transactions. I love Nano, but not as an investment.
I mostly just speculate with BTC now, and I profit from it. But like you said, it's very much gambling now. So I never invest more than I can afford to lose. It's def more fun watching the market swings this way.
I actually use BTC profits to fly to Vegas with my gf. But I don't gamble there, I just like hanging out there and acting like a big roller for a few weeks here and there, and seeing the vibe. We have friends there, so we don't have to rent a hotel or anything.