The proposal to amend a long standing tenet of New York’s constitution is stated very simply.

It would eight words to the portion of the constitution that deals with gambling, changing the language to permit  "casino gambling regulated by the state."

That would give officials broad leeway on new gambling in New York.

The governor says expanding gambling will create jobs and bring in needed revenue. He also wants to get a grip on what he calls the present "hodge-podge" of gaming allowed under present law at racetracks and racinos.

He says right now, there’s no rhyme or reason to them, “I support a referendum on casino gaming, so we could actually have a comphrensive gaming program to the state."

The amendment is likely to pass in the legislature.

It would still require approval by a second consecutively elected legislature,  and could be on the ballot by November 2013.