I've been an addict. And some time I have tried to stop. It's not easy. I have read many articles of self help, saw several videos on youtube and always trying to kick the habit. More recently I read a book "the power of habit" and that helped overcome my addiction. Today when I want to play, I separate some bitcoins for it. If you lose not continue. I'll do something else. Currently I do Yoga and meditation.
That's kind of an effort you are showing just to quit completely in gambling. I can say you can make it because you really made your research to implement in actions. It's good to divert you attention to other things to stay away in gambling.
It means that his will is strong enough to control his urge and he himself is willing to get away from gambling, probably there is a strong reason behind that strong"will" that he has right now. Yeah, diversion is a good idea to handle your addiction, and you've got a very good diversion which is the yoga and meditation, it could help you exercise your brain, most probably that's the one that gives him a strong will.