ABSTRACT
The introduction briefly considers the recent reconceptualisation of gambling, as an addictive disorder, within the medical classification system. It outlines the implications of this reconceptualisation, such as the need to adopt a broader public health perspective, akin to that taken towards substance use disorders, and to develop a set of structural and behavioural prevention measures. The introduction emphasises the importance of passing from a paradigm of maximising State revenue derived from gambling to a paradigm of optimising the reduction of health and social dangers related to gambling. Once the focus of the book has been set forth, the scope and content are then outlined, including a chapter by chapter overview of the key themes.
