The state appeals court has sided with a group opposing the expansion of casino gambling in Michigan and ordered that a petition allowing new casinos not go before voters.

The court ordered the Secretary of State on Tuesday to reject the Citizens for More Michigan Jobs' petition and keep it off the November general election ballot.

Citizens for More Michigan Jobs seeks a constitutional amendment proposal and wants a fourth casino in Detroit and seven others across the state.

A lawsuit by Protect MI Vote said the ballot question is illegal because it would change the Michigan Constitution and state law. Opponents of casino expansion are American Indian tribes and current casino owners.

The appeals court says that "in some respects" the proposal "directly contradicts provisions of the Gaming Act."