Steve Chapman

In the following viewpoint Steve Chapman refutes claims that legalized gambling is destroying lives and corrupting American communities. For example, those who oppose gambling claim that legalized gambling increases suicide and crime rates, Chapman claims. He asserts, however, that these claims are unfounded; while suicide and crime rates may have risen in some states that have legalized gambling, they have decreased in others, suggesting other factors may be responsible for the increases. Moreover, most people who patronize gambling establishments gamble responsibly; in fact, he argues, only 1.6 percent of American adults will be become gambling addicts. Chapman is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Chapman, what percentage of American adults will become pathological gamblers?
2. How does Chapman refute the argument that gambling depletes the local economy?
3. How...