The state's highest court ruled Tuesday that voters can decide the fate of Massachusetts' casino gambling law, throwing the future of casinos into question.
Under the ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court, a question calling for repeal of the 2011 law can appear on the November ballot.
The ruling overturns Attorney General Martha Coakley's finding that the proposed ballot question is unconstitutional because it would cause casino developers to lose property without compensation.
The law allows for up to three regional resort casinos and one slots parlor in Massachusetts. The state gambling commission recently granted MGM Resorts International a license for a proposed $800 million casino in Springfield. The two remaining casino licenses have not yet been awarded, while the slots parlor license has been awarded to the Plainridge harness track in Plainville.
Coakley, who is seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, said earlier that her finding was a "close call" and she would respect whatever decision the court makes.
