Concurrent drinking and gambling is prevalent among young adults and may increase negative consequences. The effects of alcohol, initial gambling outcomes, gambling-related cognitions and impulsivity on gambling behavior were evaluated. Initial gambling outcomes, gambling-related cognitions and impulsivity were assessed as potential moderators of the relation between alcohol and gambling behavior; impulsivity was also assessed as a potential mediator of alcohol's effect. Participants (N = 130) were randomly assigned to receive active placebo or alcohol and were invited to wager on a simulated slot machine programmed to produce 1 of 3 outcomes (win, breakeven, or loss) before initiating progressive loss. No evidence was found for predicted main effects and interactions on gambling persistence; however, alcohol was associated with larger average bets and more rapid financial ruin. Impulsivity moderated alcohol's effect on average bet, and gender moderated the effect of initial gambling outcomes. Results have direct implications for individual-focused and public-health interventions.
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