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Problem Gambling & the Adolescent Brain

Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, extending into the mid-20s. The maturation process significantly influences judgment, impulse control, and risk-taking behavior, particularly regarding gambling. This presentation by Dr. Ken Winters and Dr. Jon Grant highlights that, while adolescents may show similar judgment in structured challenges by age 18, their ability to resist impulses and delay gratification is still developing. The heightened activity of the dopamine system during this stage may make adolescents more susceptible to gambling and other risky behaviors.

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Problem Gambling & the Adolescent Brain

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  1. Problem Gambling & the Adolescent Brain Oregon Problem Gambling Services; Material from Dr. Ken Winters & Dr. Jon Grant

  2. Adolescence is a period of profound brain maturation. • We thought brain development was complete by adolescence • We now know… maturation is not complete until about age 24!!!

  3. An Immature Brain = Less Brakes on the “Go” System

  4. Construction Ahead • Growth of the brain’s nerve cells (neurons) occurs through late childhood • 1,000,000,000,000,000 possible connections. • Around 11 – GIRLS; 12½ - BOYS: • Some of these connections are pruned off and remaining ones are strengthened.

  5. Construction Ahead • When the pruning is complete, the brain is faster and more efficient. • But… during the pruning process, the brain is not functioning at full capacity

  6. Neurological maturation starts at the back of the brain, and moves to the front Amygdala Judgment Emotion Motivation Physical coordination Prefrontal Cortex Nucleus Accumbens Cerebellum Notice: Judgment is last to develop!

  7. Judgment Gets Betterwith Age • By age 18, the adolescent’s judgement for structured challenges is roughly equal to that of adults. • But judgement that involves resisting impulses or delaying gratification is still under construction during late adolescence and early adulthood.

  8. The dopamine system is more robust during adolescence than in adulthood • novel stimuli trigger firing of dopamine; the experience is rewarded by a dopamine burst  • Compared to adults, the robust dopamine system of adolescence will contribute to a more heightened reward experience in the face of novel stimuli

  9. Implications of “Arrested Development” for Adolescent Behavior • We can infer...…. • Preference for physical activity • Preference for high excitement and low effort activities • Preference for novelty • Poor planning and judgment • Minimal consideration of negative consequences • More risky, impulsive behaviors • Some evidence that being in a group accentuates risk taking

  10. 1. Background 2. Neuro- development 3. Neurodevelopment and gambling • youth in general • ADHD youth

  11. Does normal brain development contribute to adolescent susceptibility to gambling? INDIRECT SUPPORT: • > risk taking (particularly in groups) (gambling?) • > propensity toward low effort - high excitement activities (gambling?) • < capacity for good judgment & weighing consequences (gambling?) • > sensitivity to novel stimuli (gambling?)

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