NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - A New York assemblyman is calling for betting machines to return to New York City bars.

Assemblyman Micah Kellner said that New York has been deprived of a legal way to bet on horse racing.

WCBS 880′s Alex Silverman reports

“These machines have been in bars for years, up until OTB went out of business in 2010,” Kellner told WCBS 880′s Alex Silverman.

They were in just a few spots, Kellner said, and they used to bring in $165 million a year.

“There’s no reason why we can’t have this done for the Preakness [Stakes] and the Belmont [Stakes], especially if there’s a Triple-Crown contender,” Kellner added. “There are going to be casual betters who are going to want to come and make a wager, and we want them to do it legally and safely.”

Under Kellner’s plan, 10 percent of the revenue would go towards education. A new school could be built on Derby Day, he said.

Do you agree with the assemblyman? Should betting machines be back in bars? Offer your thoughts and comments below…