Gambling disorders are often compared to substance use addictions because of similarities between the two populations. Specifically, they share overlap in the observed clinical symptoms and in research findings. This is one of several reasons why gambling research has borrowed from substance and alcohol use. One such topic where current gambling work heavily relies on our understanding of drug addiction is the reward system, areas of the brain that work together to regulate an individuals’ reactions towards or away from rewards.
This white paper 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.
