AUSTIN – Leading Republican senators expressed worries Monday that selling the Texas lottery to a private company could allow the expansion of gambling in the state to slot machines and other new games.

The state's role in regulating the lottery if it were sold also was the subject of questions by members of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.

Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, wondered whether a private company operating the lottery might view slot machines as a form of gambling similar to the lottery.

And Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville, asked Lottery Commissioner James Cox in his appearance before the committee whether he envisions a private company trying to expand the scope of games.

Cox said lottery officials aren't part of the governor's office discussions with financial consultants, but he added that state laws and the sales contract would determine what gambling activities would be condoned.