Gambling In India: Past, Present and Future

About Gambling In India: Past, Present and Future

Gambling has always been and still is a popular pastime in India. Most forms of gambling are illegal in India except for the state-run lotteries (and that too only in some states), horse racing, rummy card games and casinos (in only two of the twenty nine states). However many Indians gamble illegally. Despite the popularity of gambling in India, it is seldom seen as a potentially addictive behaviour in academic discourse, policy debate or patient-doctor interaction and consequently has received little attention from academics, policy makers and mental health professionals. This area has also not been subjected to rigorous research, hence limiting one's understanding. In Gambling in India: past, present and future, George and Jaisoorya bring together contributions from leading experts in this field to  provide an overview of the  the history of gambling in India, its origins and evolution, its legal and illegal aspects, assessment and treatment practices and so on in a clear and concise manner. This book will be essential reading for mental health professionals working with gamblers and is also aimed at others who may have an interest in the field of gambling in India, including researchers, academics, policy makers and other health care professionals.