Updated

Legislators in Jamaica have unanimously approved two bills that will allow casinos to be built on the island for the first time.

Jamaica currently has only a few hundred slot machines at hotels in the capital of Kingston and in popular tourist areas.

Religious groups on the conservative island have long opposed casinos, saying they will lead to problems.

Jamaica had approved a law two years ago that legalized casinos, but the measures approved Friday by senators allow those interested to apply for a gambling license.