So now the other guys were contemplating to quit their poker playing hobby because it was really affecting their friend negatively. And they had a somewhat regular get-together to play poker with very small stakes just for the fun of it. It's a petty that they might have to abandon their poker games but to them it's either that or abandoning their friend and worsening his compulsion.
Would you do the same for a friend?
I would do so for a real friend who I know will do it for me. it will be bad to abandon this friend with their addiction that you know will definitely lead them to depression which in bad cases can lead them to considering suicide because of the debt they will accumulate along the way.
You all got into gambling together, it is thoughtful that you are all considering dropping gambling together to help your friend. I believe it is what friendship is all about, making sacrifices for each other.
maybe not totally quitting but slowly reduce your gambling sessions. because if you totally stop the sessions, the tendency of going back again is always there. much better if your group will set the mood of your friend to stop his compulsions.