Hearing on Gettysburg casino plan to draw hundreds

GETTYSBURG, Pa. (AP) — State regulators are set to begin hearing testimony on a divisive plan for a casino near the site of the Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board hearing on the proposed Mason Dixon Resort & Casino begins Tuesday at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Cumberland Township. Nearly 400 people have registered to speak and the hearing is expected to stretch into a second day.

The proposal to install slot machines and tables games at an existing hotel and conference center is pitting resident against resident.

Opponents say a casino would cheapen the town’s wholesome reputation. Supporters argue the casino would bring much-needed economic development to the region and wouldn’t encroach on the battlefield’s boundaries.