Health issues may at some point put a gambler to a stop
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And aside from that, it's still the will of the person to divert his attention to other things instead of continuing to gamble, there are instances that a gambler ask for some help in order in successfully escape their addictions, but like what you are pointing out, health can paused the gambling activities but if the person is not willing to let go this vices, they will play back right after they've got cure or when they feel that there are no symptoms of any health issue with them.
Health problems and economic difficulties do not guarantee that gamblers will stop gambling...
I've had illness and economic hardship but I still gamble to this day (even my husband knows it's hard for me to stop gambling). in order to stop gambling I think it must come from the person's intention, if you really don't have a strong intention to stop gambling then don't expect to be able to stop gambling.