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3/22/2007 3:33 AM

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Associated Press

WHEELING, W.Va. - Ohio County voters will decide June 9 whether to allow craps, roulette and blackjack tables at Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center.

County commissioners unanimously approved a petition Tuesday from racetrack President and General Manager Robert Marshall asking the county to hold a special election June 9.

"We are moving forward with our efforts to have table games at Wheeling Island, and the election is the next step for us," Marshall said.

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If voters approve the request, Marshall said, Wheeling Island could begin offering table games as early as Nov. 1.

Gov. Joe Manchin has until Wednesday to sign or veto legislation passed earlier this month that would allow residents in the state's four racetrack counties to vote on whether to allow casino-style games such as blackjack and roulette at their respective tracks, spokeswoman Lara Ramsburg said.

The West Virginia Family Foundation is challenging the legislation on grounds that allowing table games violates the state constitution and would only be legal with a statewide referendum.

Supporters of table games say they would create new jobs and help the tracks compete with gambling establishments in other states, particularly Pennsylvania, which legalized slot machines last year.

Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort in Chester has indicated it plans to petition for a vote in Hancock County after June 9.

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