Elections board approves gambling measure

David Eggert

Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004 | 11:10 a.m.

LANSING, Mich -- The Board of State Canvassers voted 4-0 on Monday to certify more than 443,000 petition signatures for a ballot measure that would require voters to approve new gambling in Michigan -- except at American Indian casinos and three Detroit casinos. The amendment would be retroactive to Jan. 1.

If the amendment is approved, any proposed gambling expansion would require statewide approval in a general election and a majority of votes in the township or city in which it is planned.

"It's an affirmation that Michigan voters deserve to decide future gambling expansions in their communities and in their state," said Roger Martin, spokesman for the group called Let Voters Decide -- YES! that collected the signatures.

The measure is aimed at preventing the state's horse tracks from being able to install slot machines and other gambling devices. Such a bill is pending in the state Legislature as a way to give a financial boost to agriculture interests.

Opponents of the measure, including Hazel Park Harness Raceway in suburban Detroit and horse track owner Magna Entertainment Corp., argued the petition's language is misleading and could confuse voters.

Dan Adkins, Hazel Park's vice president, said it would file a lawsuit challenging the decision, possibly as early as Wednesday. It's unclear how the amendment would apply to pari-mutuel gambling, Adkins said. Also, horse tracks don't like that it would be retroactive.

Michigan Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters also spoke out against the measure aimed at limiting gambling. He said it would hurt the state lottery's ability to develop new games and compete with casinos and other gambling interests.

"In this business ... you've got to constantly come up with new games and new approaches to the gaming industry to generate revenue," he said. "It may not hurt us today, but this business is about where are we going to be three years from now and five years from now."