Risk factors for problem gambling among people with ADHD symptoms

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Author(s): Tokumitsu, Keita ; Sugawara, Norio ; Tabuchi, Takahiro ; Yasui-Furukori, Norio

Journal: Addictive Behaviors

Year Published: 2025

Date Added: May 29, 2025

Gambling disorder (GD) and ADHD frequently co-occur. However, which factors best predict GD among people with ADHD are not well understood. In the present study, the researchers examined data from the 2024 Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey (JASTIS). The sample comprised 29,268 people between 16 and 83 years old, of which 5.66% experienced problem gambling, and 3.69% had symptoms of ADHD.

Among people with ADHD symptoms, it was found that being younger and engaging in online horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, casinos, online casinos, and pachinko/pachinko slots were linked to problem gambling. Online casino gambling was the strongest risk factor. These findings shed light on the connection between ADHD and GD, and provide potentially important information for researchers, clinicians, and policy makers.

Citation: Tokumitsu, K., Sugawara, N., Tabuchi, T., & Yasui-Furukori, N. (2025). Risk factors for the development of problem gambling in individuals with ADHD symptoms: The mediating roles of gambling engagement and ADHD characteristics. Addictive Behaviors, 166, 108327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108327

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108327

Keywords: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ; casinos ; gambling disorder ; online gambling ; problem gambling

Topics: Online Gambling ; Venue/Casino

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Personality and Temperament ; Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Exposure - Accessibility ; Psychological Factors ; Psychological - Coping Styles

Response Rate: 62.9%

Study Design: Secondary Data Analysis

Geographic Coverage: Japan

Study Population: The sample comprised 29,268 people between 16 and 83 years of age drawn from the Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey (JASTIS) in 2024. All respondents were residents of Japan.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers conducted a secondary examination of the JASTIS 2024 dataset. The 2024 survey was conducted by Rakuten Insight, Inc., whose panel comprises 2.2 million members. The sample used in the study included 29,268 people, with 5.66% meeting the criteria for problem gambling and 3.69% having symptoms of ADHD.

Study Funding:

The dataset in this study was funded by Health Labor Sciences Research Grants, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI Grants, and the National Institute for Environmental Studies.