Neural correlates of the impact of prior outcomes on subsequent monetary decision-making in frequent poker players

- Risk-taking was higher after losing than after winning a gamble.
- Controls exhibited higher brain activation during risk-taking following losses.
- Poker players exhibited higher brain activation during risk-taking following wins.
- These activations were observed within high-order motor control brain regions.
- Poker habits may affect the brain mechanisms of risk-taking following wins and losses.

Individuals have a tendency to be more risky in their choices after having experienced a monetary loss, than after a reward. Here, we examined whether prior outcomes influence differently the patterns of neural activity of individuals who are used to taking monetary risk, namely poker players. High-frequency poker players and non-gamblers were scanned while performing a controlled task that allowed measuring the effect of prior outcomes on subsequent decisions. Both non-gamblers and poker players took more risks after losing a gamble than after winning one. Neuroimaging data revealed that non-gamblers exhibited higher brain activation than poker players when pondering a decision after losing, as compared to after winning. The opposite was found in poker players. This differential pattern of activation was observed in brain regions involved in high-order motor processes (the dorsal premotor cortex). These results suggest that gambling habits introduce significant changes in action preparation during decision-making following wins and losses.