North Carolina moved a big step closer to legalizing online sports gambling on professional, college, horse racing and other sports and permitting in-person sports betting at certain venues across the state Wednesday.

The state Senate passed House Bill 347 38-11 on its second reading. The Senate must vote again on the measure Thursday, a formality that is unlikely to lead to any changed votes. It is a rare bill that drew support and opposition from both Republicans and Democrats in the legislature.

The legislation will have to return to the House, where lawmakers must agree to the Senate’s many changes, and be signed by Gov. Roy Cooper before becoming law.