It is easier to say it than do it, gambling addictions are of different levels this you must understand, there are level of addictions that will only take the grace of God for the victim to come out of it, it doesn't matter how many books the victim reads or how many card tricks the individual try to perform in a day, this can not replace the urge to gamble, most especially when the individual involved have easy access to money 💵.
I can't deny what you said is a fact that happened. that, easier to say than do. This theory also applies to all aspects. We are well aware that addiction has different levels. to be honest, I can be said addict. yes, I'm not kidding. however, that was then. some of my friends, experienced a more severe level of addiction. in fact, they do not hesitate to sell what they have to fulfill their gambling desires. some of them, loss of property. it's a real experience. the difference is, I use logic more than ego and emotion. although in reality it will be very difficult to resist. not much different, with drug addicts.
As far as I know, there is no really effective method for curing someone from their addiction. the problem is, everyone has a different case and a different way of healing. from my case, since I got married and had children, I gradually began to take responsibility and limit all excessive activities including gambling. even then, it requires a long process. in fact, until now I still like to gamble, but now I am more responsible.
Well, the most important point is, if someone has a strong will and determination. it's not impossible to get rid of addiction, whatever its kind. there is no other word, that I can say. thus, gamble with money you can afford to lose. without, harming our family, ourselves, even the people around us.
*based of my experience. 
