How can one prevent gambling addiction?

My father was a gambling addict. I'm just wondering whether there's anything that could have prevented him from being so.

The more exposed to gambling the person is, the higher is his risk of developing a compulsion for gambling. To prevent a person from developing gambling addiction, minimizing his exposure to such activities will surely be helpful. This, however, can be tough, considering that there are now Internet gambling and casinos. Doing interventions at the earliest signs of compulsive gambling will also do much in the prevention of the disorder.

cut out his brain

yeah staying away from it, never being introduced to it.

not having access to money to go gamble away.

I think there is a gambling anonymous.

People can get addicted to many things and its human nature to take risks. Different levels for different people.
There's help out there if you want it.

Don't start.

I think avoiding it at all costs. Eliminating friends that gamble from your life. Be strict with your budget and finances, leaving no room for gambling money away. Find other hobbies and activities to take the place of gambling.

Think about how much you will spend in total before gambling.
If you win it big.. 100 or more.. don't push your luck and stop!

Any addiction is very hard to keep in check--alcoholics, drugs, sex addicts, overeaters, chocoaholics, yes, you could be addicted to chocolate, I was, I used to eat it until I got sick.....you can keep an addict in check ONLY while you are watching him--and you can't watch someone 24/7. Now with the internet, you can gamble online so it's no longer a matter of keeping the person away from bookies and casinos. Unfortunately, psychiatrists do not even make gambling a high priority addiction for treatments. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, but other than locking the person in a room away from a phone and computer for the rest of his life--and monitor his visitors--or take away all his money, you could never have any control on his addiction.

Are you worried you will develop this addiction? An addiction is just that. I believe he was addicted to the adrenalin from the win. The worst thing that can happen to a person is to win. I got laid off some months ago and had a girls night out at a casino. Well I won big that night (several thousand dollars). I was stoked. So on my Birthday we all went back. Guess what? I didn't win and not only didn't I win, but I kept going because I was SO SURE I could WIN again. Well it messed me up financially for a few weeks. It was horrible and I swore never again. If I go now, I make sure I leave cards and money at home. Only take what you can afford to lose, and if you can't control yourself, leave it or even yourself at home. Good Luck...or then again, maybe not.

one idea is to divert one's mind/interest to other activities like music, movies, or any form of entertainment that wouldn't involve any vices. Also, he must be given enough attention by his family. Take some time together. Moreover, his actions/efforts must be appreciated.