BOSTON — The state’s highest court ruled Tuesday that voters can decide the fate of Massachusetts’ casino gambling law, throwing the future of casinos into question.

Under the ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court, a question calling for repeal of the 2011 law that allows for up to three regional resort casinos and one slots parlor can appear on the November ballot.

The ruling overturned Attorney General Martha Coakley’s earlier finding that the proposed ballot question was unconstitutional because it would cause casino developers to lose property without compensation.

“Instead, the possibility of abolition is one of the many foreseeable risks that casinos, slots parlors, and their investors take when they choose to apply for a license and invest in a casino or slots parlor,” Justice Ralph Gants wrote for the seven-member court in the unanimous ruling.

The state gambling commission recently granted MGM Resorts International a license for a proposed $800 million casino in Springfield. The two remaining casino licenses have not yet been awarded, while the slots parlor license has been awarded to the Plainridge harness track in Plainville.

Coakley, who is seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, said she accepted what she called a “thoughtful” ruling by the court.

“This is a result that allows it to go on the ballot and I’m perfectly satisfied with that decision,” Coakley told reporters. She said she did not expect the ruling to hurt her campaign, adding that she would personally vote against repealing casinos.

Casino opponents who challenged Coakley’s decision said developers weren’t entitled to any compensation because no property or contract rights exist. Critics contend that casinos are a predatory industry and their presence would lead to increased crime and gambling addiction and would hurt small businesses near the resorts.

John Ribeiro, chairman of the group Repeal the Casino Deal, said its efforts will now turn toward convincing voters to outlaw casino gambling.

“While this ruling marks a huge hurdle now cleared, it’s also the firing of the starting gun in this incredibly important campaign,” Ribeiro said. “We know Massachusetts can do better than this casino mess.”

The group has gathered enough signatures to earn a spot on the ballot. Secretary of State William Galvin confirmed Tuesday that the question would appear.

Proponents of the law point to thousands of permanent jobs and temporary construction jobs that would be created, along with an influx of new tax revenue for the state. The 2011 law imposes a 25 percent tax on gross gambling revenues at the casinos and a 40 percent tax on slots parlor revenues.

Casino developers also have negotiated agreements that promise financial benefits for host communities. MGM, for example, agreed to pay Springfield $15 million in advance payments and an additional $25 million annually after the casino opens.

The Plainville slots parlor is the only facility where construction has begun, with an eye toward a June 2015 opening. Eric Schippers, a senior vice president for developer Penn National Gaming, said the company was disappointed by the ruling, but construction would continue “full steam ahead.”

Wynn Resorts and Mohegan Sun are vying for the eastern Massachusetts casino license. Wynn has proposed a $1.6 billion casino along the Mystic River in Everett; Mohegan Sun is pushing a plan for a $1.3 billion complex on land owned by Suffolk Downs in Revere. A commission decision is expected in September. The commission will continue with the current licensing and regulatory process despite the “atmosphere of uncertainty,” panel Chairman Stephen Crosby said Tuesday.

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