Slot machines at Ohio racetracks were expected to fill nearly a $1 billion gap in the state’s two-year budget.

The Ohio Supreme Court’s ruling Monday in favor of LetOhioVote.org orders Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner to accept the group’s petitions, allowing the referendum process to go forward.

The court froze implementation of slots for 90 days to allow the group to collect the necessary number of signatures — 6 percent of voters in the last gubernatorial race — to go to the ballot.

If they succeed, the machines could be on hold until voters decide the question, which might be until Nov. 2010.

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