As much as the U.S. makes headlines for being staunchly opposed to online casino gambling, the latest news to come out of Nevada somewhat debilitates the credit of that notion. What has been passing under the radar - until recently - is the online gambling legislation that recently made it through Nevada’s State Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation, which was passed with an overwhelming 6 to 1 vote, would create a standard of protocol for regulating the online casino industry in the state of Nevade if the industry was to become legal in the United States.

The next phase of the legislative process is the U.S. Senate, where the measure could be passed as law. Albeit, the law would have no authority until online casino gambling was declared legal, it is still a large step for the online gambling industry in America. Currently, the U.S. Congress is in debate on whether to ban internet betting, or take advantage of the enormous amount of potential tax revenue that would come if online casino gambling was declared to be legal. The Wire Act of 1961 complicated matters even worst, with some government officials stating the Act bans online gambling, although in a drastically broader wording. However, a U.S. Federal District Court ruled that the Wire Act does not ban online casino gambling, and should therefore not be used as a crutch in making it legal.

Nevada lobbyists supporting the bill say it will generate over $83 million in yearly income for the state, and that the online casinos based in the state would still be heavily monitored and regulated. One component of this regulation is that only those online gamblers based in Nevada would be permitted access to an online casino. Due to interstate betting laws, a mandate permitting only Nevada online gamblers would be enforced. The legislation sets forth standards on preventing underage gambling as well as protocol for taxing online casinos and issuing gaming licenses.

Lobbyists are no doubt also piquing the curiosity of many large casino operators in Las Vegas, like Harrah’s Entertainment, MGM and Mandalay Resort. Online casino software developers have been successful in partnering with land-based casinos abroad, like William Hill in Britain. At the rate technology is developing, many believe that with the appropriate funding and research, online gaming software, including gaming graphics and software operation, will be far more advanced than what it currently is. The potential for online casino gambling is boundless. And that very same potential in Nevada, according to lobbyists, is even greater, and will be another "first" milestone for the state if the legislation is approved.