Michigan board approves casino ballot petition

A four-member Michigan Board of State Canvassers unanimously approved on Wednesday the wording for a constitutional amendment submitted by a group led by Hazel Park Raceway that would provide for the opening of eight casinos in the Wolverine State, including five at racetracks. Racing to Save Michigan will now have 180 days to collect 380,126 signatures needed on a petition to put the proposal on next year's ballot.

 

"Without this, horse racing in Michigan is all but dead," Dan Adkins, vice president of Hazel Park Raceway was quoted as saying in the Detroit News.

 

There are already 23 casinos operating in Michigan, most operated by Native American tribes, but also three located in downtown Detroit owned by major gaming companies. The ballot proposal would allow the five racetracks to add slot machines or additional gaming, as well as allow the state to auction off three other casino licenses. If the amendment is placed on the ballot and approved by voters, the eight casinos would still have to be approved by voteres where they would be located.

 

Casinos would pay a 30 percent tax, with 75 percent of that going to the state and a small amount going to the local and county communities.

 

Adkins told the News that a firm will be hired to gathered the needed signatures and a grassroots campaign will be conducted within the racing industry.