Metro

State raid$ racinos

Gov. Paterson and lawmakers are raiding cash from New York’s racino operators to help balance the state budget — even while entertaining bids today to open new slots at Aqueduct Racetrack, The Post has learned.

Albany will take an additional 1 percent of revenues from nine slot operators to generate millions earmarked for education.

But racino operators fume that this slap at New York’s gaming industry may discourage firms from vying to run Aqueduct racinos. Final bids on the project are due today.

Bob Galterio, Empire City Yonkers Gaming Raceway’s general manager, said the state takes two-thirds of the raceway’s gambling revenue.

State officials said racinos would be allowed to operate 20 hours, instead of 16, to help offset the loss.