Saying "I hit bottom" is simple. But, it's more difficult to examine your bottom, re-enter there, create a map, and return with something useful. You did that. Actually, the most hardest thing is how you go over and adjust your ground rules.
What you mentioned about not giving up gambling is more honest than most rehab talks. You constructed the barrier instead of amputating the object. In the same vein, former smokers may discover new routines or people rediscover how to love once betrayed. You gave it terms instead of rejecting the urge.
Often, the regret about wasted winning results from the false reasoning one could have used that money correctly if they had saved it. Truth is, most people really do not spend "found money" wisely either. Careful with that type of guilt, then. It is mostly fiction and seductive.
Well i didn't say it was easy. And it's probably not a road for everyone. And to be clear, this wouldn't work with substance addictions like smoking for me. I have tried managing that and heard people who say that they can manage and balance that, and i guess i believe them, but deep down i am convinced that they are lying to themselves.
Gambling addiction is a different kind of beast to tame imho, as with smoking you don't necessary see the consequences until it's too late. With gambling you could lose everything, but least it's not your health and you have ways to dig yourself up from that hole with some help.