As if they understood what was going to happen a full five months later, in June of 2011 the state of Nevada in the US legalized its online poker gaming industry. At that time the federal government in the United States still considered online poker illegal, but Nevada has always been at the forefront of gambling in the brick-and-mortar casino industry, so they decided to push the envelope and position themselves at the forefront of any possible federal legislation which allowed for interactive gaming for money in the US.

In what appears to be a move to cash in on a very favorable atmosphere in New Jersey regarding online poker, one of the giants in the industry recently made a substantial move. PokerStars became a veritable white night when they bailed out the failing Full Tilt Poker franchise, appeasing millions of account holders by replacing their frozen funds, as well as making the United States Department of Justice happy. Their parent company recently agreed to buy the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel, a once thriving brick-and-mortar casino in New Jersey that is arguably now one of the weakest physical casinos in that state.

Entering 2012 as one of the most underrated and under the radar online poker players, high-stakes player Ben “Sauce123” Sulsky will probably never be able to sneak onto a virtual table without getting noticed again. The young American dominated PokerStars online poker play in 2012, exploding for over $3.5 million in profit to lead all the high stakes charts at that online poker room. Many of the big names usually seen at the top of the profits leader board at the end of the year had difficult seasons, one notable professional being Gus Hansen.

Just a couple of weeks ago we reported that the Nevada Gaming Control Board (GCB) gave their thumbs up recommendation that MGM Resorts International be allowed to purchase an interactive gaming license in that state. That is the first step for companies who wish to virtually shuffle up and deal poker in Nevada, and then action moves on to a vote by the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC). If that regulatory body then approves the company as well, a license can be purchased, allowing a company like MGM Resorts International to become one of the first in the nation to offer legalized online poker.

With South Point Hotel and Casino apparently poised perfectly to provide online poker for the first time in the United States legally as an extension of the US Department of Justice flip-flop in late 2011, recent news regarding GEObet has caught online poker enthusiasts unaware. In a press release recently, the GEObet Gambling Network has announced that they are 100% ready to launch an online poker room entity for several Native American tribal casinos that will allow pay for play wagering. By operating with Native American tribal casinos, GEObet Gambling does not need to secure a Nevada interactive gaming license such as the one South Point Hotel and Casino received back in August of this year.