Basically keeping a record of losses in gambling is not a way for gamblers to stop, because even losses or bankruptcy will not stop them from gambling. So in this case I think every gambler has his own way to stop and they won't stop gambling if they don't have the intention to stop.
I agree with your opinion, it all depends on one's intention to make something happen. Just like people who will stop playing gambling, even if people who gamble lose a lot of money and can almost even buy a car if it's counted, I'm not sure they can stop gambling before there is an intention to change their habits.
Because people who are already addicted to it will be difficult to stop, unless they have the determination to not do it again.