As New York considers an expansion of legalized wagering, Republican Gov. George Pataki has called for the creation of a state gaming commission.

Pataki proposes gaming reform in New York state

As New York considers an expansion of legalized wagering, Republican Gov. George Pataki has called for the creation of a state gaming commission, according to bignewsnetwork.com.

Pataki wants to impose better control of the New York Racing Association and set up a new state commission to regulate horse racing, the New York lottery and the state's four native American casinos.

The number of casinos operating in New York may soon double, potentially adding hundreds of millions of dollars to state revenues.

Under Pataki's plan, the Albany, N.Y., Times-Union reported Monday, the indicted and financially ailing NYRA, would come under the supervision of a new board that would have the authority to take over its race track operations if necessary.

Pataki's announcement comes as the state plans to add thousands of video lottery terminals at up to 16 sites statewide, including about 5,000 at Aqueduct.

There are already three video lottery terminal parlors operating in New York state, including the 1,300-machine casino that opened in January at Saratoga's harness track.