ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to identify the core neurocognitive components involved in disordered gambling, as well as those underlying the remarkable heterogeneity of those who gamble. According to the Gambling Space Model, presented here, core components comprise the brain mechanisms for gambling conditioning, incentive sensitisation, and craving elicitation. Heterogeneity amongst people who gamble is modelled on the basis of four dimensions: 1) sensitivity to gambling-specific positive and 2) negative reinforcers; 3) dysfunction of domain-general automatic (model-free) emotion regulation and 4) the use of (model-based) emotion regulation strategies for gambling justification, outcome reinterpretation and self-deception. The evidence supporting the diagnostic and prognostic value of each of these dimensions is reviewed.
This model has a number of implications for policy, prevention and treatment. First, the consideration of gambling as an addictive agent provides ground for harm-reduction approaches. Second, the transdiagnostic nature of some vulnerability factors justifies profiling of high-risk individuals for secondary prevention of disordered gambling and related problems. And third, understanding individual differences within the population of people with a gambling disorder yields a practical avenue for health services to incorporate tailored treatment protocols.
