Gambling supporters who want to legalize slot machines in Washington are trying to include a referendum in the November ballot. In order to do so, they must collect 19,000 valid signatures by July 10.

The purpose of the referendum is to put slot machines on Martin Luther King Avenue in Southeast D.C. Thirty-five states have already legalized some form of gambling, and those who back this project want the District to enjoy the profits of the multibillion-dollar slot machine business.

Jack Evans, Council Finance and Revenue chairman, warned that even if voters approved the project, the congress could intervene and veto it.