Ohio voters to decide on lottery machines

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Ohio voters must have a say in whether video lottery terminals can be placed at the state's seven race tracks, the state supreme court ruled Monday.

The lottery terminals are an integral part of Gov. Ted Strickland's budget plan, The Dayton (Ohio) Daily News reported.

"While I am disappointed by this decision, we need to fully review the court's judgment before determining next steps," Strickland said in a written statement.

Racetrack owners said Monday they were not ready to comment on the decision.

The court ruling was the result of a lawsuit filed by LetOhioVote.org. The group supports a vote before placing the machines.

"We're pleased that the Supreme Court ruled in the fashion they did and we will expedite our efforts to begin the petition process," spokesman Gene Pierce said.

The group is collecting signatures and needs 241,366 valid signatures by Dec. 20 to have a referendum on the issue placed on the November 2010 ballot.