Has anyone gambling addict shared his situation with you and how did you handled it? please come clean about it let's learn from each other.
Perhaps we should learn to listen before we criticize. The fears that gamblers cannot share for fear of being judged and criticized only increase over time and drag them into gambling. Even those who want to get away from it do not disclose for fear of being criticized.
However, if a gambling addict wants to get rid of gambling, he or she should go to a rehabilitation center. Because gambling disorder is a form of psychiatry. We cannot cure a gambling addict with the advice of ordinary people. Perhaps we can only influence their momentary turn to gambling. The advice that ordinary people can give to a gambler is irrelevant and I think the only support that can be given to them is psychological support.
Gamblers thoroughly listens to those whom they love. When things goes to emotion, friendship plays a vital role. First, building an interpersonal relationship with the addict helps him think of his conversation with his friend. It'll also help him remember what he should do as discussed. Having an addict soliciting for your help means he's half healed. He has defeated his fear of asking for advice. While I read the thread I thought of the possibility of addicts restraining from helps because of how their friend could begin to judge them.
That's why not everyone can clearly understand how to help in such situations. Referring the addict to a psycho therapist will do him some help. The disadvantage of an ordinary person (as you named them) taking care of an addict's problem is impatience. Helping a gambling addict requires dedication from both the addict and his helper. People have different responsibilities and wouldn't be around or pleased to help at all times. But they can actually recuperate an addict's failed emotions, if the criteria are met.