Gambling issues and the ballot box.

Lotteries have enjoyed widespread voter approval over the last three decades--only two states, North Dakota and Oklahoma, have rejected them. This year, voters in North Dakota will reconsider whether their state will join the 36 others that have authorized lotteries. And the New Mexico Legislature is asking voters to decide whether to allow a state lottery. The plan specifically permits statewide video gambling, which has not previously been part of other states' lottery proposals to voters.

Casino proposals usually do not fare well at the ballot box. But that may change. Casino-style gambling is now legal in 23 states. Indian casinos proliferated under federal law and legislatures in several states approved casinos without statewide voter approval.

Now racing interests are seeking ways to revitalize the ailing sport and in two states have joined forces with casino supporters to allow casino-type gambling at racetracks. In Florida, the "Proposition for Limited Casinos" would authorize casinos at the state's numerous horse and dog tracks and jai-alai frontons. It would also permit five riverboats and 12 free-standing casinos, including one in the Miami Beach area. The state attorney general has challenged the proposal, however, saying the title could be confusing to voters, and the state Supreme Court must approve the measure before it can appear on the November ballot.

Arkansas voters also will consider authorizing casino gambling at the state's racetracks, legalizing charitable bingo and creating a statewide lottery. Another measure would allow a casino resort along the Mississippi River in West Memphis. Rhode Island, which already has a lottery and allows video gambling at racetracks, would also have a casino in Providence, if the state's voters approve.

A Wyoming proposal would allow counties to decide whether to legalize limited stakes casinos similar to the casinos in Deadwood, S.D., and in three mountain towns in Colorado. The initiative would authorize slot machines, video poker and card games in counties where approved, with single bets not to exceed $25.

Voters in several other states are being asked whether they want to expand gambling or allow existing games to continue. In Colorado, voters will consider legalizing limited casino gambling in Manitou Springs (where residents voted against it in an advisory referendum) and at public airports. A proposal to allow limited gambling in the town of Trinidad has been challenged and may not make the ballot.

Missouri voters will revisit a question they just voted on in April--whether to allow games of chance on riverboats. The Missouri Supreme Court in January ruled that the legislature violated the state constitutional prohibition against games of chance when it authorized gambling aboard riverboats. Now Missouri riverboats can legally operate only games of skill, such as card games, and not the lucrative slot machines. As a result, some of the planned riverboat casinos and waterfront projects in Missouri have been cut back or cancelled. Supporters of the casinos hope a large voter turnout in November will help their cause. The April vote to allow games of chance failed by a margin of less than 1 percent.

In June, the South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that video lottery was not authorized under the constitutional provision for a state lottery. The lottery agency has been operating video lottery terminals since 1989. The South Dakota Legislature met in special session in July to draft a proposal for voters to decide on in November. Loss of the video games could cost the state millions.

The Minnesota Legislature is seeking voter approval to authorize off-track betting on horse races. It approved off-track betting in 1991, but the state's Supreme Court found the legislation unconstitutional. Supporters of the proposal see off-track betting as critical to the survival of the state's horse racing industry.