A coalition led by labor unions and racetracks is seeking to put four new gaming compacts before California voters.

The UNITE HERE union and the racetracks need to gather 443,971 valid signatures of registered voters by October 10. If they succeed, the issue will be put on the ballot in February 2007.

The coalition opposes the compacts that were recently approved by the state Legislature. The deals allow the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians to add more slot machines in exchange for a share of the revenues.

Tribal leaders said they will do everything they can to defeat the referendum effort.

Get the Story:
Casino compact opponents play referendum card (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 7/28)
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Union, tracks seek slots vote (The Sacramento Bee 7/28)
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