Pennsylvania is quietly becoming a gambling state. Of course it has not reached the proportions of Nevada or even Las Vegas, but the casino community in the Keystone State is growing. This summer Pennsylvania lawmakers approved a bill that allowed casinos to add table games to their casino floors. This was met with much elation as now Pennsylvanian casinos had more to offer and they and the state could reap the benefits of money that was going to out of state gambling locations like Atlantic City. Pennsylvania is also considering adding some new casinos. However, this does not come without heated controversy.

One of the proposed casinos will be located in Gettysburg, not far away from the hallowed Civil War battlefield and national monument. Businessmen David LeVan and Joseph Lashinger Jr. would like to take nearby Eisenhower Inn and Conference Center into a casino resort that would include 600 slot machines and 50 table games. This has met major resistance from the community and historians around the United States. They feel that the casino would be located to close to the battlefield. Its location on Emmitsburg Road which was a major route during the Civil War and played a significant part in the outcome of the battle. They are also afraid that it could set up a precedent that would de-sanctify Gettysburg.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has decided to hold a public hearing over the controversial casino plan. It is to be held on August 31 at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Cumberland Township. The hearing will start at 10 a.m. All those interested are invited to speak but must pre-register. They will be allowed 3 minutes and can be granted an extra 20 seconds to conclude their thoughts. Speakers will not be allowed to concede their time to other speakers. Those running the hearings will keep strict control to make sure that no one acts inappropriately.

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