CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- With one of West Virginia's four racetrack counties already set to vote June 9 on the question, Gov. Joe Manchin signed long-sought legislation yesterday to allow the tracks to pursue casino table games.

Mr. Manchin approved the bill one day after the Ohio County Commission scheduled the special Saturday election on permitting craps, roulette, blackjack and the like at Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center.

The Northern Panhandle's other track plans to follow suit. Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Center will petition the Hancock County Commission at its April 5 meeting for a special election in early June, spokeswoman Tamara Cronin said. Though signed yesterday, the bill becomes effective June 6 or 90 days after its passage.

Mr. Manchin had said earlier he would sign the bill if it allowed a referendum and if it provided funding for in-home senior care. The legislation devotes hefty license fees -- including $2.5 million annual renewal fees from each track -- toward that cause.

"There is definitely some enthusiasm, some excitement in the valley over this," said Sen. Andy McKenzie, R-Ohio and a leading supporter of the bill.

But Tuesday's unanimous commission vote in Ohio County gives the West Virginia Family Foundation the trigger it needs to sue over the table games law, Executive Director Kevin McCoy said.

"We're putting the pieces together now," Mr. McCoy said yesterday. "We're pretty much ready to go forward."

Echoing other gambling foes and bill critics, Mr. McCoy's group believes voters statewide must amend the West Virginia Constitution to allow such games. The legislation would make table games part of the lottery system, which was approved in a 1984 state election.

The Northern Panhandle tracks have led the charge for table games, weathering four years of failed legislative efforts. These tracks, which attract many gamblers from out-of-state, seek an edge in the face of slot machine casinos opening in neighboring Pennsylvania.

Track owners can either have the question placed on a 2008 primary or general election ballot or seek a special election this year at their own expense. Election costs range from $30,000 to $250,000, according to elections officials.