Impairments in inhibitory control characterize a range of addictive behaviours
including gambling disorder. This study investigated the relationship between a
neuropsychological measure of inhibitory control and behaviour on a simulated slot
machine that included a measure of gambling persistence, in a non-clinical sample
of regular gamblers. Regular gamblers (n ¼ 75) performed a laboratory slot machine
task for 30 trials where they could win real money, followed by a persistence phase
under extinction (i.e. without wins). Participants also completed a stop-signal task,
along with measures of gambling-related cognitions, social desirability, and symptoms
of disordered gambling. In hierarchical regression models, reduced inhibitory control
was found to predict greater persistence and a higher subjective desire to play again
after both wins and near-misses (i.e. unsuccessful outcomes close to the jackpot). These
data illustrate the impact of low inhibitory control on relevant behavioural tendencies
in a group of regular gamblers. Our results help elucidate a cognitive process that may
contribute to problem gambling, with implications for screening and treatment.