It had been rumored for several months that Iowa could be one of the first states in the nation to pass online gambling regulation legislation. On Monday, that rumor moved one step closer to becoming reality when a Senate subcommittee unanimously passed an online gambling bill.

The legislation would allow for one central online poker site to handle all the online gambling action in the state. The bill would allow only poker, leaving out other forms of gambling such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and slots. All forms of gambling are now deemed to be acceptable under federal law.

Back in December, the Department of Justice opened the door for states such as Iowa to authorize online gambling. The DoJ released an opinion that limited the illegal gambling under the 1961 Wire Act to sports. That opinion has led to dozens of states considering the possibility of online gambling regulations, with an eye on increasing revenue to the state budgets.

Iowa has been one of the leaders in the gaming industry since lawmakers decided to allow land-based casinos. If Iowa passes the online gambling bill, they would get a leg up on other Midwestern states within the Internet gaming industry. Analysts predict that the industry will explode in the US within the next decade.

The bill passed Monday could face an uphill battle when it reaches the full Senate. The fact that only one license will become available may be a deterrent for those legislators that believe all race tracks in the state should be permitted to offer online casinos. The limit to just poker may also be something that could keep the bill from passing.

"It's going to be tough for this bill to succeed in its current form," said Gaming Analyst Brad Dawkins. "Studies in Iowa have shown that if the state allows the tracks to operate online casinos, the state stands to receive tens of millions of dollars in revenue. One online poker room may not be enough to satisfy lawmakers and business leaders that want a more broad bill."

Florida, California, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Illinois have all considered online gambling legislation. Washington DC actually authorized Internet gambling, but that decision was reversed earlier this year when the City Council decided the voters should have had a say in the issue. Nevada is currently the only state moving forward with the licensing of online casino operators.