Amendments to ensure that sitting Members of Parliament cannot sit on the Casino Gaming Commission were given the green light in the Senate.

Owen Darrell, the Junior Minister for the Cabinet Office, said the previous legislation had implied that MPs could not serve on the commission, but the changes would remove any doubt.

He added that the amendments came as a result of discussions with banks about the processing of gaming transactions.

Mr Darrell also praised the work of the gaming commission, which he said had moved with “efficiency and purpose”. He said it was still hoped that Bermuda’s first resort casino would open soon.

Marcus Jones, OBA senator, said the update gave “hope and encouragement” for the future of a casino gaming industry in Bermuda and the amendments fell in line with international best practices.

He added: “Not only must the commission not have a conflict of interest but it must also not have an appearance of a conflict of interest.”