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Upcoming casino vote key to survival for 2 tracks

BOSTON (AP) - Two upcoming votes on casino gambling could go a long way toward determining the survival of the state's two horse racing tracks.

On Tuesday, voters in Revere will decide whether to give thumbs-up to a proposal by Mohegan Sun to build a resort casino on land owned by Suffolk Downs, a 78-year-old thoroughbred racetrack.

On Friday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is scheduled to award the state's only slots parlor license, with the Plainridge harness track one of three contenders along with Raynham Park and Cordish Cos., in Leominster.

Horse racing has been in steep decline in Massachusetts for many years with both wagers and purses falling sharply.

Owners of both tracks say the facilities will likely close if the votes don't go their way.