It will be interesting to watch how a proposal plays out for a slot-machine gambling casino and spa just a few miles north of the Gettysburg Civil War battlefield.

Will Gettysburg area residents embrace the plan proposed by the investor group Chance Enterprises, Inc., because of the jobs and other economic benefits that would stem from such an operation? Or, will the plan evoke widespread opposition because of a perception - valid or otherwise - that a gambling mecca so close to the hallowed Gettysburg National Military Park would desecrate that historical area?

Opponents of such gambling argue that it "invites" organized crime, prostitution, decay and other undesirable outcomes for areas that allow it to infiltrate them. How people of the Gettysburg area will respond is a script yet to be written.

It could be some time before the full reaction to the Chance Enterprises proposal materializes. That's because there is no guarantee at this juncture that the investor group will be awarded a slots license.

The Chance Enterprises plan apparently will be in competition with two established casino companies that have proposed slots parlors in the Bethlehem area. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will eventually license up to 14 casinos, seven of which are earmarked for horse racing tracks.

According to Chance Enterprises officials, which include David LeVan, former Conrail, Inc., chief executive, the Gettysburg Gaming Resort and Spa would include a hotel, restaurants, luxury spa and slots parlor. The development would be built on a 42-acre tract that Chance has entered into an option to buy.

In a statement Tuesday, LeVan said his proposed facility would benefit from existing Gettysburg tourism, including the people visiting the military park. He also is probably correct that the slots parlor would be an attraction to people from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

However, the number of visitors to the military park could increase as the result of tours by people coming to Gettysburg first for the slots-gambling opportunity and then deciding to stay on to visit the important Civil War battle site.

Some would characterize that potential reality as a win-win situation.

It probably is a win-win, unless gambling opponents mount a campaign against the slots parlor and convince the gaming control board to opt in favor of the Bethlehem-area proposals, instead of awarding a Gettysburg license.

A state lawmaker from Adams County has said public reaction to the proposed casino most likely would depend on precisely where it is to be located, how many jobs it might create and the impact on traffic. Some public reaction also might emanate from Chance Enterprises' eventual choice of a gambling company partner to help run the casino.

Whatever the feelings of Gettysburg area residents, it must be acknowledged that a slots license would have a lasting impact, for better or for worse. And, if a "marriage" does take place, the lure of gambing would seem to dictate that "divorce" won't be a likely prospect anytime soon.

That's why, even with no guarantee of a gambling license, it is not too early for Gettysburg area residents to start seriously discussing the pros and cons of what is being proposed.