GETTYSBURG — A divisive plan to build a casino near the site of the Civil War's Battle of Gettysburg is in the mold of many other communities that have successfully meshed gambling with historical tourist destinations, the developer told state regulators today.

With opponents rallying around the cry of "Save Gettysburg," developer David LeVan pitched his plan for the Mason Dixon Resort & Casino as a well-worn concept in places such as Vicksburg, Miss., and Deadwood, S.D., that can bring tourists, investment and tax revenue to the Gettysburg area.

"Mason Dixon can empower the region and re-energize a struggling county," LeVan told the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The gaming board, which is considering Mason Dixon's application to build the casino, was listening to comments from casino principals, supporters and opponents at a public meeting near Gettysburg National Military Park.

With more than 390 people registered to speak, the hearing could spill into Wednesday. Mason Dixon is competing with three other groups for a state casino license.

Signs reading "No Casino" and "Pro Casino" dot windows throughout the quaint streets of Gettysburg, which attracts more than a million tourists each year for shopping, eating and lodging.

The casino is proposed on an existing hotel and conference center site within a mile of the park's southern boundary.

By The Associated Press