AURORA | A measure that would allow expanded gambling at the Arapahoe Park race track in Aurora — including about 2,500 slot machines and 65 table games — took a step closer to reaching November’s ballot on Monday.

Backers of the measure submitted more than 130,000 signatures to the Colorado Secretary of State, about 50,000 more than the 86,000 they need to get the measure on the ballot.

The question, which is similar to one voters rejected 80-20 in 2003 is expected to meet stiff opposition from the state’s existing casinos, which argue it would crush the casino industry in the state’s historic mining towns.

The measure’s supporters say it would raise more than $100 million every year for public schools.

If voters approve the measure, it would allow casino gaming at Arapahoe Park as well new tracks in Pueblo and Mesa counties. Those tracks have not yet been built and would have to be operating solely as a race track for five years before they would be allowed to add casino gaming.