Finnish researcher identifies link between gambling addiction and the brain
On January 16, 2026, doctoral researcher Albert Bellmunt Gil from the University of Turku (Finland) defended a dissertation in clinical neuroscience focused on brain changes in people affected by gambling addiction.
Research at the University of Turku
The study was conducted at the University of Turku and focused on the neurobiological mechanisms of gambling addiction.
The research involved patients diagnosed with gambling disorder as well as healthy volunteers from a control group.
Neuroimaging methods
The analysis was carried out using two independent samples and several brain imaging methods.
Researchers examined brain structure, brain activity, and chemical signaling, including the role of neurotransmitters.
Impaired control and reward systems
Weakened fronto-striatal connections
People with gambling addiction showed weakened connections between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens, a key part of the brain’s reward system.
According to the study, this may make it harder to stop gambling when strong urges arise.
Increased response to gambling-related cues
In the dorsal striatum, the brains of patients with gambling addiction responded more strongly to cues associated with gambling.
A similar response has previously been observed in people with substance use disorders when exposed to cues linked to substance use.
Structural and chemical brain changes
Abnormalities in the fronto-striatal circuit
The study identified structural abnormalities within the fronto-striatal circuit.
According to the author, these changes may represent either a vulnerability to developing gambling addiction or a consequence of long-term excessive gambling.
The role of serotonin and the opioid system
Disrupted fronto-striatal connectivity was found to be associated with brain serotonin activity.
Responsiveness to gambling-related cues, in turn, was linked to opioid system function.
Treatment perspectives
Neurostimulation
The fronto-striatal circuit is considered a possible therapeutic target for non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation.
Similar approaches are already used in other conditions involving impaired self-control.
Medication-based approaches
Findings related to serotonin and opioids point to the potential for pharmacological treatment.
The author emphasizes that randomized controlled studies are required to test these hypotheses.
Gambling addiction as a neurobiological disorder
The findings confirm that gambling addiction is linked to measurable changes in brain function and structure, rather than a lack of willpower.
The research focuses on brain regions responsible for behavioral control, reward processing, and habit formation.