Reward System

Overview

In order to explain why some gamblers develop problems, while others do not, researchers have hypothesized that some gamblers may be (a) more sensitive to the potential of winning and/or (b) less sensitive to losses. These concepts are respectively known as reward sensitivity and punishment sensitivity.

Key Points

Research suggests that reward sensitivity and punishment insensitivity may both contribute to the development of gambling problems. In addition, research indicates that these two factors may be related to some of the motivations that people have for gambling, such as gambling for excitement and novelty, to escape, or for social reasons.

White Paper

GREO's white paper, Nuances of the reward system of problem gambling, looks at the history and current status of research surrounding the reward system and problem gambling in Canada. It also examines what future possibilities and limitations exist for problem gambling research in relation to the brain's reward system.

Search the Evidence Centre for Reward System

References

Sztainert, T., Wohl, M. J., McManus, J. F., & Stead, J. D. (2014). On being attracted to the possibility of a win: Reward sensitivity (via gambling motives) undermines treatment seeking among pathological gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 30(4), 901-911.

Wardell, J. D., Quilty, L. C., Hendershot, C. S., & Bagby, R. M. (2015). Motivational pathways from reward sensitivity and punishment sensitivity to gambling frequency and gambling-related problems. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 29(4), 1022.

Jiménez-Murcia, S., Fernández-Aranda, F., Mestre-Bach, G., Granero, R., Tárrega, S., Torrubia, R. & Moragas, L. (2016). Exploring the Relationship between Reward and Punishment Sensitivity and Gambling Disorder in a Clinical Sample: A Path Modeling Analysis. Journal of Gambling Studies, 1-19.