Las Vegas-based casino operator MGM Resorts International scored a major victory in Connecticut after the state House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill that would allow casino operators to compete in an open bidding process, The Hartford Courant reported.

Passing the measure didn’t come as easy as some of proponents expected. For two straight days, lawmakers locked horns on whether the measure would violate its standing agreement with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes.

The tribes’ current deal gives them the exclusive right to operate gaming machines in Connecticut in exchange for a portion of their slot machine revenues.

In the end, however, the House decided to refer the bill to the Senate in a narrow 77-73 vote.