ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book looks at the concerns being expressed about modern machine gambling and the uncontrolled spread of online gambling, as well as the spread of casinos, and the ways in which a number of countries are responding to these threats to their citizens’ health. It aims to introduce the expression the Gambling Establishment to refer to a powerful alliance of interests which collectively has been responsible for the modern growth in gambling and therefore for the harm it is causing. The book focuses on the psychology of how, in the modern era of gambling liberalisation, gambling is advertised and promoted and is designed in such a way that gamblers are continually being deceived about their chances of winning. It also looks at the various individual, family, community and societal harms of gambling which have been identified.
