After several attempts, a bill to ban smoking on the floors of New Jersey’s casinos passed its first hurdle on Monday with backing from a key state Senate committee. The legislation won approval of the Senate Health Committee, despite opposition from the casino industry and even some casino workers who said the ban might negatively affect business in Atlantic City.

Supporters of the measure countered that a no-smoking policy would help the casinos.

“More people would actually come to AC because they’re going to give them a better experience free of cancer-causing carcinogens and toxins,” said Cynthia Hallett, the president and CEO of Americans Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation. “With only 11% of the U.S. population being smokers, you’re opening your doors to more potential players.”

The bill now faces its next test as the legislation goes before the full Senate.