Roth ira, 401k vs Real Estate

[Wala Habiby]

Good evening, 

I have been dealing with Real Estate for over 10 years and personally investing for over 5 years. I have grew my portfolio tremendously in the past few years with a $1,000,000 in equity BUT I have been told that I need to invest in other means such as the Roth ira or personal 401k. I really don't understand those investments much but I do know that I pretty much don't have total control in their success or failure, and I truly don't believe in stocks anyway. I see it as a fools bet (no offense). I am just not a gambling kind of guy and I like to see success connected to how much work I put into something (physically and even better, mentally)

Are we just taught that investing in stocks/401K/Roth Ira and similar investments are the way to go and should be part of everyone's portfolio, but maybe for true real estate investors its not needed ? or is it truly important and needed?

I have been struggling with making a decision, as right now I don't see value in it but in comparison,  it took me 5 minute to see true value in Real Estate investing years ago. 

Thank you for sharing.