A new study suggests that it might. Researchers in Japan have presented findings that indicate an individual’s brain chemistry may affect the way they view gambling losses and gains, resulting in the development of unhealthy gambling habits. This research could bear well for Australian politicians who believe that medicating problem gamblers is a more effective solution that pokie reform.

If individuals are predisposed to developing gambling addictions due to their psychological make-up, medication and counselling may be the most effective solutions. Researchers in Kyoto based their study on the fact that gambling losses result in a significant response by norepinephrine (or noradrenaline) neurotransmitters. It tested 19 men who had just finished a gambling session, analysing their reactions to their results.

The study found that individuals with higher levels of norepinephrine were more likely to experience loss aversion. This psychological state means that players are less sensitive to losses, allowing them to continue gambling even after they have lost their money. While these are only preliminary findings, they have opened up plenty of opportunities for gambling researchers.

It is an interesting topic, and we hope to see more in-depth research on the issue in the future.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.