Odds are good that voters will see an initiative to expand existing casinos on the November ballot as supporters of higher-stakes gambling wait this week for the secretary of state to verify their petitions, according to Denver Post.

„Petitioners turned in about 130,000 signatures Friday, many more than the 76,000 valid names they need,” said campaign spokeswoman Katy Atkinson.

The proposal would allow the three communities where gambling is legal to boost the maximum bet from USD 5 to USD 100, stay open longer and add craps and roulette to the casino floors. Extra tax revenues – estimated at USD 28.6 million – would help community colleges fend off tuition increases.

The plan has the support of the colleges. And casinos have contributed more than us$ 3 million to get the initiative on the ballot, according to financial disclosures.