After a long year of debate, the Pennsylvania Senate has finally approved a gambling reform bill which means that Philadelphia will be able to control the proposed new casinos to be built in the city.

The ruling means that the city will be able to have its say in the construction of the project, as well as ensuring that local zoning rules and the city-wide smoking ban will both apply to the casinos.

“This new law removes any opportunity for monkey business that the previous law may have allowed,” Governor Rendell said in a statement.

The state Gaming Control Board will also have to conduct criminal background checks before it hires any new employees.

Despite the victory, local campaigners maintain that there are still many obstacles ahead, with many expected to now turn their attentions to the effect that casino construction will have upon the local environment. Property rights along the Delaware River, the location for several proposed casinos, are thought to be foremost among such concerns.

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