Editorial: Keep the gambling question simple

Expect a ruling this week on whether Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo tilted the table to favor passage of a constitutional amendment permitting full-scale casino gambling in the state. The proposition is expected to be on the ballot this November, but its prospects got dicey after it was discovered that the state Board of Elections, in concert with the governor's staff, sweetened the verbal pot.

The original wording of the referendum asked whether voters would allow the state to authorize and regulate "up to seven casinos." Challengers contend the new wording improves the odds of passage because it adds irresistible consequences: ". . . promoting job growth, increasing aid to schools, and permitting local governments to lower property taxes through revenues generated." Stacking the deck is bad way to win. The judge should restore the plain vanilla text for the ballot.