ALBANY, N.Y. -- Video lottery terminals would be allowed on the high-speed ferry that recently began operating between Rochester, N.Y., and Toronto under a measure introduced in the state legislature.

Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, one of the sponsors of the legislation, said Tuesday the operators of the ferry, Canadian American Transportation Systems, approached him and state Sen. Joseph Robach about bringing the gambling machines aboard the ferry.

The legislation would amend the state law that allowed the VLTs to be set up at horse racing tracks around the state.

The Spirit of Ontario took its maiden voyage to Canada last week.

The car-and-passenger catamaran will carry as many as 774 passengers and 220 cars three times daily between Rochester and Toronto.

Morelle said the boat's operators would be prepared to turn off the VLTs when the vessel leaves New York waters.

They're also discussing authorization to operate the machines in Canadian waters with Ontario provincial officials, he said.

Associated Press
NQR