If you are a fan of poker, you may want to take your skills to a more competitive environment to see how you do. Playing online poker can be a great way to not only enjoy an exciting game with other players, but also potentially increase your revenue stream through skilled wins and plays. If you are a resident of Nevada, you can enjoy a variety of other advantages and unique opportunities to make money through your passion. These five surprising facts about the status of online poker in the state can lend you some insight on how you may want to go about your opportunities.

U.S. online Poker Legalization Timeline

On April 30, 2013, legislation was signed to let Nevada become the first United States state that would allow people who were physically located in the state to play online. These people had to be twenty one years of age, but once these two requirements are fulfilled, they are allowed to play poker online for legal money.

On February 25, 2014, the governor of Nevada and the governor of Delaware signed the country’s first interstate poker compact. This is an agreement that allows online poker players who live in Nevada to play poker online for real money with players who live in Delaware. While it is a powerful piece of legislation, the compact is limited exclusively to online poker play.  Not only was the compact a great way to further the online gameplay, but it also set the foundation for something more. If other states want to enter into this agreement, which is something that has been specifically defined under the rules of the compact, they may have the chance to play other games as they are offered.

The changes in legislation have made it possible for more people to play more games at their own pace. It has given rise to a variety of new online casinos, and the first Nevada based legal online casino was Ultimate Poker. This website gave rise to others in the state, but is no longer up now, so research will be required if you are planning on getting started. Taxing on online poker, contrary to some rumours, is not going to be increased in Nevada. Currently, the taxes for online gambling in Nevada are the same as other gambling resources. This means that online gambling will provide a revenue of 6.75%, like all other gaming sources in the state.

So when will online poker be legalized in California?

Much like Nevada, there are some interesting changes happening in California as well. As of February 2015, however, the California online poker legal status is that playing poker online is currently not allowed. However, this could be changed in the future. Lawmakers have begun to introduce four bills during the current legislative session, which can legalize the online poker industry in the state. However, learning more about what your options are and what changes are planned for the future will keep you in good stead in the latest news, changes and updates in the law.