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There appears to be a common understanding within most societies that gambling, although recreational for many people, can lead to significant harm in a minority. What is less common is an understanding of the biological substrate underlying the propensity toward harmful gambling as well as the degree to which genetically inherited biological propensities play a role in the development of this tendency. Both past and recent research suggests that biological differences in brain structure and chemistry, as well as inherited physical or psychological conditions, can impact gambling behaviour. In this section we discuss biological factors that contribute to harmful gambling, including genetic inheritance and neurobiology.
In general, the evidence is very strong that genetics and neurobiology have a very important influence on gambling and harmful gambling. What is less certain, and where more research is needed, is the specific genes and neurotransmitters involved, and the mechanisms by which a genetic propensity for harmful gambling is expressed (epigenetics).