Submitted on Wed, 2010-02-24 00:00

Financial experts in the State of Iowa have come to the conclusion that passing a bill that will allow poker tournaments will bring a projected $80 million in revenue. If the bill is passed it will mean that the state will offer its online poker players an alternative site to play their games. Players will only be able to deposit cash into their accounts via one of the seventeen poker rooms within the state.

 

Around 80,000 Iowans play at online poker sites already, according to Rep. Brian Quirk, and the bill will provide them with "a safe environment." It will also allow state residents to play poker at live tournaments online.

 

Rep. Doug Struyk says, "right now what's going on is illegal, offshore and very risky for Iowans." Besides the need to provide a safe gaming environment for Iowans, the legislators also have their eye on the monetary gain of the venture.

 

Both live and online poker is regulated by the different states. The bulk to the $80 million in revenue that the state hopes to collect would come simply from allowing Iowa residents to play legally online. The state of California is also considering lifting the ban on online poker.