BATTLE CREEK (WKZO) -- A group called Protect MI Vote launched their statewide campaign at the FireKeepers Casino Thursday to defeat a ballot initiative to add eight more privately run casinos in Michigan.

Spokesman for Protect MI Vote John Truscott voiced opposition to the casino proposals saying an unidentified group of investors will be gaining not only a license without a thorough background check, but also a liquor license guaranteed by the state’s constitution bypassing the standard legislative applications.

Watch above for the highlights of Truscott’s presentation at FireKeepers Casino.

Campaigns on either side of the issue are projecting to spend about 50-million for their cause.