Introduction
Legal gambling opportunities in general and casinos in particular have become increasingly available in Canada, the United States and the rest of the world. Based on continuing research, the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) has adopted a Public Health Perspective on gambling which "embodies public health values that reflect concern for the impact of gambling expansion on vulnerable, marginalized and at-risk population groups" 1(p2) and considers the "benefits and harms to individuals and communities arising from gambling activities" 2(p1208) The purpose of this literature review is to provide a summary of the current state of knowledge on the health impacts of gambling with a focus on gaming facilities such as casinos.