Personally I see CFDs as a balance between spot and futures market. Future market are a bit expensive for a beginner because of lot size. Spot may not be right because of the settlement period, govt fees as well as lack of of short selling. So while CFD have higher spread, it strike as a perfect balance to me for a beginner.
But I keep hearing that CFDs are more dangerous than gambling. Personally I think trading in CFDs is same like trading future. Same skills are required and both have similar risks. I know unskilled beginners would prefer future over CFDs and lose money, but that means people should educate themselves before trading. It doesn't mean CFDs are inherently bad.
Are there any specific reasons why CFDs are more dangerous than gambling or future market? What are the risks CFD have that future market lacks?