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New York Assemblyman Calls For Betting Machines To Return To NYC Bars

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

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"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...

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