BATAVIA, N.Y. -- The weeks surrounding the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing are the busiest time of the year for Western Region Off-Track Betting sites, where thousands of people are expected for the Preakness Stakes.

"There are 17 (OTBs) and 30 EZ Bets so we have almost 50 locations where people will currently be able to place a horse racing bet. The idea is for them to be able to place a sports bet is well," said Henry Wojtaszek, Western Regional OTB president.

The OTB is urging the state legislature and governor to pass legislation which would allow sports bets at their facilities. Wojtaszek says with it now legal federally, New York needs to make sure it keeps pace with its neighboring states.

When people come into various OTB sites this weekend to bet on the Preakness, they'll find a petition which they can sign. They'll also be people around the petition handing out information about how to contact local legislators to express support for legalized gambling.

Wojtaszek expects the petition will remain up at least through the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, on June 9. The legislative session ends shortly afterward.