Officials are betting on a new plan to keep video lottery terminals from being built on Long Island.

As News 12 has reported, many area residents are adamantly opposed to a plan by Nassau Off-Track Betting that calls for the construction of a gambling parlor at Belmont Park. If followed through, 1,000 video lottery terminals would be installed in Belmont's western grandstand.

Residents in Medford have rallied against a similar plan to build a gambling facility in Suffolk County, as well.

On Thursday, opponents received a boost when Queens state Sen. Tony Avella agreed to sponsor legislation sitting in the Assembly that would repeal the state law allowing video slot machines.

State Rep. Michelle Solages is one of the sponsors of the Assembly's version of the bill.

"The legislation we have up in Albany would effectively rid Long Island of the possibility of a casino, especially in Floral Park," Solages says.

Sen. Avella is part of a group of breakaway Democrats that caucus with Republicans. All seven of Long Island's senators are members of the GOP.

Sen. Jack Martins represents the Floral Park community. News 12 reached out to his office for comment, but has not yet heard back.