The secretary of state’s office says the initial group of petitions for a constitutional amendment to expand casino gambling fell short, but the group has 30 more days to meet the requirement.

The Associated Press said organizers had turned in about 70,000 signatures, with 84,859 needed. They did turn in enough under law to be given more time to “cure” their petitions. The group backing the amendment had never stopped using paid canvassers to continue gathering signatures after the initial deadline. They think they’ll make the target.

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The amendment would solidify legality of racinos at Oakland and Southland parks and authorize casinos in Jefferson and Pope counties. Indian tribes hope to snare the new licenses. A Mississippi casino group also has its eye on Pope County.

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