As the debate heats up in Albany over legalizing Vegas-style casinos in New York, a coalition of nine racetrack gambling parlors that includes Aqueduct launched a statewide radio ad blitz yesterday telling voters of their positive contribution to the state.

The New York Gaming Association — in a public-relations offensive to protect their turf — boasts that racinos provided $1 billion to schools and directly or indirectly supported 39,000 jobs.

The ad campaign will cost $350,000, but the gaming association is expected to spend millions of dollars to ward off potential competition near their facilities.

The racinos offer video slot and electronic table games but are prohibited from offering table games with dealers.

Gov. Cuomo and the Legislature are expected to put a referendum before the voters this fall to allow up to seven Las Vegas-style resort casinos across the state.

Cuomo proposes initially opening three — none in New York City. He has mentioned tourist destinations in the Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks and the Fingerlakes wine region as ideal locations.