ABSTRACT
The rapid expansion of casinos into the Australian gambling environment has been a relatively recent phenomenon. Their introduction marked the beginning of a shift in government gambling policy away from community benefit to a more pragmatic, economic focus. Casinos were seen as a solution to declining economies, a shrinking tax base, and an intractable unemployment problem. Despite the perceived benefits, there was, and continues to be, vigorous public opposition to the introduction and expansion of casinos in some jurisdictions. Much of this opposition has been based on the economic and social costs associated with the expansion of gambling and casinos in particular.
