High Reward Sensitivity as a biomarker of online gambling. A multi-method study on gambling behaviour

Objective: The present research explored the main risky factors that can influence subjects’ choices during the decisional process in an online game context. We supposed that reward bias, metacognitive defi cit and personality trait make subjects’ strategies more disadvantageous and “gambling”. Methods: Twenty-one subjects were tested using the IGT and GO/noGo task while the EEG was registered and alpha-band modulation were considered. Secondly, the Behavioral Activation System (BAS)/Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) scale was use for testing the eff ect of reward sensitivity and metacognitive questionary was applied. Results: It was found that high-BAS subjects increased their tendency to opt in favour of the immediate reward rather than the long-term option, they tend to have difficulties to inhibit the automatic response, and they show a dysfunctional metacognition abilities. Finally, high-BAS subjects showed an increased left-hemisphere activation in response to immediate reward choices if compared to low-BAS subjects. Conclusions: A reward bias eff ect was supposed to explain both the bad strategy and the unbalanced hemispheric activation for high-BAS and more risk-taking subjects. Key message: These fi ndings could have important repercussions in the social context for the prevention of dysfunctional behaviours that aff ect compulsive disorders like addiction.