Suffolk pols push video lottery terminals

The Bellone administration -- looking for new revenue without raising taxes -- is putting a bet down in Albany to win approval for a video lottery terminal complex that could generate $174.3 million to ease the county's cash crunch and fund local schools.

Assemb. Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) has filed a state measure that would authorize Suffolk Off-Track Betting Corp. to open a gaming facility -- similar to the racinos located at nine state harness tracks, said Deputy County Executive Jon Schneider.

State Sen. Owen Johnson (R-West Babylon) has agreed to sponsor companion legislation or have the proposal included in the Senate Republicans' budget plan.

Under discussion is a gambling complex at a site, as yet undetermined, located on a major highway but not near a residential area. The site could have up to 2,000 VLT machines, similar to slots.

Under tentative plans, the VLT complex is estimated to generate $2.1 billion in total wagers. Local schools would get $77.4 million, or 44.4 percent of the proceeds.