Gambling on the Delaware?

Delaware officials are looking at a plan to put slot machines off the shore of a town in South Jersey.

For years Penns Grove, New Jersey has been a quiet little place off the Delaware River, but that could change if this sleepy little town hits the jackpot.

Slot machines would become a major attraction in Penns Grove if Delaware lawmakers approve of the idea. Why Delaware you ask? Mark Kleinshmidt/Hannalilly, Inc.: "Any development in the waters of Penns Grove would actually be in the jurisdiction of the state of Delaware and the city of Wilmington."

A little-known law dating back to 1682 gives Delaware all rights to the river and that`s exactly why this Delaware developer hopes to put a stationary riverboat on the banks of Penns Grove, New Jersey.

If the proposal goes through, Delaware stands to gain more than $80-million in gaming revenues alone, but the town of Penns Grove would hit the jackpot too.

Picture this, Penns Grove already has plans to revitalize its riverfront with restaurants and shops. The developer envisions live entertainment on his floating casino with river taxis shuttling patrons to and fro. For residents on both sides it all means one thing.

Janelle Cleveland/Penns Grove, N.J.: "I think it will bring more jobs to the area."

846 jobs to be exact. Good news to locals who remember Penns Grove in it`s prime, before the Memorial Bridge rerouted people around the town.

Donna Stout/historical society: "You could walk down the street without rubbing elbows and rubbing shoulders with people on Friday and Saturday night"

The idea is sure to raise eyebrows in Atlantic City – and not everybody here is sure it`s a winner:

Thomas Buggy/Penns Grove, N.J.: "I think riverboat gambling would lead to an even more decadent society and state."

If all goes as planned a floating casino would be docked here by 2003.

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News (AP)