A controversial bill in the Northern Marianas designed to fix ambiguities in an already-passed Saipan casino law has been approved by the terriotry's Senate.
The bill, which passed with seven 'yes' votes, one abstention, and one "present" vote, empowers the Lottery Commission to grant an exclusive licence for a casino on Saipan, the CNMI's main island.
The bill will now be passed to the governor, Eloy Inos, who is expected to sign the measure into law.
It is hoped the casino bill will trigger the release of 30 million US dollars to pay for retirees' deferred pensions and withdrawn contribution interests.
