Gambling Town with Civil War Ties says Casino a Plus

Frederick Wentz, of Gettysburg, testifies against granting a license to Chance Enterprises for a slots casino in Straban Township during a hearing before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Wednesday afternoon at Gettysburg College. Wednesday was the final of three hearings on Chance's license request for the proposed Crossroads Gaming Resort and Spa, planned for property near routes 15 and 30.

During Wednesday's hearing on a proposed casino near Gettysburg, Larry Gawronski, the president of the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, testified about the experience that Civil War battlefield town has had with casinos. With him, he brought 10 letters from community leaders, including the mayor, police chief, a school district superintendent and a museum curator, all saying casinos helped Vicksburg. Casino opponents listened to his testimony, but dismissed it as testimonials that aren't based on facts or figures. Gawronski has worked at the visitors bureau since 1995, only about a year after casinos were introduced there.

He said he was angered when he heard a report sponsored by the Civil War Preservation Trust claimed casinos in Vicksburg decreased battlefield visitation and hurt the local economy. So the investors for the proposed Crossroads Gaming Resort and Spa near Gettysburg paid for his trip to testify during their rebuttal period before the members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which will be looking at the trust's report when making its decision whether to allow a casino near the historic town.

May 19, 2006
Posted By Bob Hartman
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com    Previous Page | Internet Gambling | Top Online Casinos | Submit News!