Mass. Casino Foes Clear Hurdle In Repeal Effort

Secretary of State William Galvin says a count has determined that casino foes collected enough certified signatures to continue pursuing a proposed ballot question that would repeal the state's 2011 gambling law.

Galvin said Friday that official certification will be made by his office next week.

The group Repeal the Casino Deal needed to submit at least 68,911 certified signatures by last Wednesday's deadline to proceed with its goal of putting the question on the November 2014 ballot.

No casino licenses have yet been awarded in Massachusetts, though several could be given out by the state gaming commission before next November.

Supporters of repeal also face a significant legal hurdle. They'll have to convince the state's highest court to overturn an earlier ruling by Attorney General Martha Coakley that the proposed question is unconstitutional.