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ELECTION RESULTS:

YES – 5021 (59%)

NO – 3506 (41%)

100% Precincts reporting

40% Voter turnout

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With record numbers heading to the polls, voters in Hancock County on Saturday approved table gaming for Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort.

Out of 21,636 registered voters, more than 1,618 -- or 7 percent -- already had cast their ballots by Wednesday in early voting. There was a 40 percent voter turnout for the special election.

Now that voters approved the table gaming issue, it will allow Mountaineer to offer blackjack, roulette, craps and other casino-style games. Mountaineer hopes to have table games by Sept. 1.

The gaming center also plans on hiring 700 workers and President and CEO Ted Arneault said the number of new jobs in the county will be higher because of an "echo" effect. Arneault said more jobs will come to the county in order to serve all the new hires at the resort.

On June 9, voters in Ohio County approved the measure for Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center, while voters in Jefferson County rejected table games at Charles Town Races and Slots.

In anticipation of table gaming approval, Mountaineer had previously released plans for an expanded hotel, outdoor sporting areas and a golf course. The resort is also planning to renovate a 200-year-old apple barn into a historic period restaurant.

The final special election in the state is slated for Aug. 11 in Kanawha County, home of Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming in Nitro.

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing coverage.