State Senate Weighs Off-Track Betting Rescue Before Doors Shut

The State Senate will return to Albany to consider a rescue plan for the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp.

But senators face long odds to avoid shuttering the agency.

They're expected to choose between a rescue plan drawn up by Gov. David Paterson and approved by the Assembly, or a statewide OTB plan pushed by the Senate's Republican minority.

Any action Tuesday would require a rare bipartisan vote in the chamber known for biting partisanship.

In addition, several senators who lost re-election bids in November and others may not show up for the special session.

Last week, the Senate didn't act on Paterson's plan to save about 1,000 OTB jobs in the city.

OTB is trying to modernize and avoid bankruptcy.

Without state approval, OTB said it will close.