New Jersey could become the first U.S. state to get online casinos up and running. A bill cleared committee vote yesterday that calls for land-based casinos within the state to set up online websites where players can play poker, blackjack and other games online.

The bill was approved by a 3 to 1 vote and next has to be debated by the full legislature. If passed, the new law would open up intrastate online gambling in New Jersey, but only residents of the Garden State would be allowed to gamble on the websites.

Proponents of the bill say that it would create $200 million of revenue and create 1,500 jobs in the state. One major opponent of the gambling expansion is the pari-mutuel industry, particularly horse racing tracks. They are already struggling and feel that a new type of gambling in the state would take away from their business. In addition, a proposal to open special gaming rooms at the racetracks for online gambling was rejected.

If the bill is passed, New Jersey would be the first state to offer regulated intrastate online gambling. California also has a bill proposed that would do the same.

This Monday, Americans will celebrate Memorial Day, the honoring of the fallen soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. As a result, most Americans will have nice, long 3-day weekends and then return to work on June 1 refreshed.

If you are an online poker player in the United States, though, you might be worried that when you get back from the holiday, one of your hobbies will be illegal. That would certainly be a slap in the face to have one of your freedoms taken away the day after Memorial Day.

Luckily, that is not the case. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which was passed in 2006, is set to take effect June 1. Many people believe that the law will make online gambling – including online poker – illegal. Luckily, that is not the case. UIGEA does not ban any online gambling, as has been confirmed by a recent Supreme Court ruling. Instead, all it does is allow the federal government to go after financial institutions that are used in transactions related to “illegal online gambling.” UIGEA never defines what types of online gambling are illegal. The most logical conclusion, since there is no federal ban on online gambling, is that it is only illegal if performed within a state that does ban online gambling (as several do).

Therefore, if you are an online poker player, relax. UIGEA can’t do anything to you; it only affects financial institutions. Also, if you want to know whether it is legal to play online poker where you live, check the laws in your particular state. If it’s legal in your state, enjoy the poker!